After much searching, I think I found a reasonably priced replacement starter motor for the Westerbeke 40. It is available from API Marine, and is their part number 15016. Cost is $260. I think it is a rebuild. See: http://www.apimarine.com/ (http://www.apimarine.com/) Phone: 800-327-6006.
A replacement may be available from a Westerbeke dealer (though I think the original starter may have been discontinued). The price will probably be much higher.
I will probably buy one as a backup.
[attachment=0:3vkt571j]15016.jpg[/attachment:3vkt571j]
If you look under Perkins Marine on Ebay there are a number of starters for around $175 the freight varies greatly. You should be able to get one for around $200. There are two types of starters used on the 4-107 and 4-108. The later models push the sprocket and the earlier ones pull the sprocket into the fly wheel. Both are standard Delco Remy starters as is the solenoid.
The later 4-108 Perkins (Westerbeke) is Delco 28MT.
Don Woodruff
Thanks! How would I know which starter to get for a 1981 WB 40?
Follow up: I have searched on eBay previously and was in touch with one company, Rareelectrica. They did not have the starter, or I could not sufficiently identify what I needed for them.
Could you give me a specific site that has the correct starter on eBay?
Starter Info:
Lucas #26163
#M456
Thanks, Rich. How is the work on the boat going?
Where can you buy these starters?
Lucas
Argh! What a memory
Being British and having motor cycles and cars with Lucas ignition and electrical systems reminds me of the old adage "the prince of darkness" this because it was inevitable that they would fail just when you expected it least.
God Bless Lucas and the prince of darkness!
Ed