Off topic engine question

[Lance Jones]

A friend has a Mercruiser 170. It needs a starter. Is there and automotive starter that is available?

[Ted Pounds]

He should probably get the marine version (I'm sure that price tag will be painful) because it should be ignition protected.  He doesn't want any stray sparks with a gas engine in a closed compartment.   

[Ken Juul]

Yes definitely go with a spark protected marine version.  Lots of sources using Google.  Is he sure he needs an entire starter?  Maybe just a new selenoid or new brushes.  Selenoids are available and easy to install.  If unsure about doing the brushes, any starter repair shop should be able to fix it.

[Lance Jones]

Yes, he needs one. When he got title to the boat (Abandoned on his property), he charged the battery. After reinstalling the battery, he turned the key. Nothing -- not even a sound. So, he traced the cable from the battery that goes to the starter. When he got there, he realized the problem -- there was no starter. It was missing.