My MB24 has an old Yanmar YSM8 engine (single cylinder, 5HP, mid-1980s I think) and the starter motor has died. My auto electrician can't find a non-genuine one that matches and Yanmar here in Fremantle tell me there a couple left in Japan at over $1,300 each, plus freight I guess.
Anyone know any Yanmar wreckers or anyone else who may have one? I bet there are a few of these old engines laying in sheds around the place, just have to find them.
Cheers

Hi beachhouse.
Time for you to start the starter search yourself.
The first thing you will need is the Yanmar part number.
Not just that it fits a YSM 8.

Once you have that number start searching for the Hitachi equivalent part number.
Then once you have the Hitachi number start looking for what make and models car it was fitted to.
Once you have that information, head down to your local Japanese car wreckers and Bob's your uncle.
From what I have hear Isuzus are the match but can't vouch for the year or model.

Here is an English site with information on YSE/ YSB starter motors. You will see cross reference numbers here.
These will be Chinese manufacture but don't be put off by that.
By all accounts they are reliable and for the low prices a bargain.
www.startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk/yanmar-ysbyse--1kw-marine-starter-motor-s2185-4470-p.asp


Good luck.

gary

Ask your auto electrician what is wrong with it and research fixing the failure problem.
Work on fixing the failure

A guy I know worked for Volvo a long time ago. He found out all the most popular starter motors and bought a container load. He just changed starters motors in the end. Left his job and started his own company.
So as Gary said track down the part number and buy one. Sometimes you can peel of a sticker and the brand and part number are there. Mostly they are painted over.
Did you spray it with WD40 and hit it with a hammer!!

Dodgy as you like!! Free shipping too. I am sure you can find something with a bit of Googling!!
www.rareelectrical.com/i-26896485-new-starter-motor-compatible-with-yanmar-marine-engine-yse12-yse8-ysm12-ysm8-diesel-104211-77010.html

EBay has starters, brushes, brush holder and more
www.ebay.com.au/itm/124225940997?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item1cec716e05:g:dx4AAOSwkJ1e6d4S&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACoPYe5NmHp%252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSxXDXcCydCuSj2Tq2S%252F3GngIgc3P6H36lhlbyZD7%252FrorrW9hd%252BIHDLaTbvkJ7jbYZS8hzuQFufLxhEsBPIt3h3eEkiK6ewMt4UCofulrzl%252BaKxMUrU9t43wx9%252FHYEfA7w2%252FkMBztolXg5c9JqG%252FwAARbuRhrh2aUqpc91c5njajNDP%252BC%252F3JjREeHk9ShAxKUZHh6l0H%252F1USRsX8OiEJD7yN9CqXGRXCv5rKa6Db29mLl%252Bu%252FWAOXu5ugH1gP1L2VQbPVWaTPMAI7XId0FJkyAQEGeStkPx4jatBDl%252BkAdmz49TYW1mcwwNcnZJ%252FJvIJCn35gZowQIrc47MkjxkeGgr7FZOnmFIwi5KZPrSMKV4i88qkzlM6lzHx8gzBGobm5QagJvh7k%252FuNljTHRJouKSfwHcfF6%252BPG%252BNZ4cMeEgRcRDwzM%252BZekKUv2gcqxRHa7PypjRnsSnRjjj783wLbbYgKY%252FQDLEBvRleY5e0pLfD5vy%252Fgcyma0WKH2i%252FkM7X6EvtPkjpSMxKoOtUaIN7TIZ2AInNAvCGBg3hNPHRXcR%252Big175kjU%252ByAUj3hDxDe4DPAuKelFxbaXqv5Gr4ykyW%252FEP4VP1jyrxOfJXTuFSCit7FbySEv3ucth3%252BU9nLQ2DdekAfw5QUciWLdw%252F6QZbId6OE3eZEvB3PsoMW0U7cbMbtBS4SlGGFZIATJESA0eOZElilb8fPn6nxhKFa%252Fflr5j2A9HGD018KOabfj2EtcZWqeya%252BVpuFWKoMOLpzcMm2hk0qr7of5ZEoLbylMycCjbSNC6Lx6CdXeVk8Fc6v53QByyCwYQLRr2plE%252Fd7jA%252FMjkbkYw4SoHuV4WlMk1zWC%252By4A%253D%253D%7Cclp%3A2334524%7Ctkp%3ABFBM1KzakKBf

That's the trouble, most trades won't repair items any more. With labour charges, it's cheaper to just buy a new one.
They're not hard though, providing the armature windings are OK and you can get the bearings off (they're usually pressed). I'd ask the Auto elec what he things is wrong with it and see whether there's a youtuber out there who's done the repairs. Bearings can be sourced from ABC or someone like that, and the windings can be rewound, if you can find anyone locally who still does them. Brushes should be readily available, and usually it's just brushes and bearings that cause the majority of the problems.

The old skill of rewinding electric motors is still around. There's a mob out Cannington way near the railway station that do small motor rewinds. A mate of mine had a small unusual conveyor motor rewound recently.

I have used a small coil rewind shop in Osborne Park in the past

It might be worth giving the Wooden Boarshop in Sorrento, vic a call. They had some parts for my old PMX 6

Thanks heaps for all the advice. Used a combo of these hints and found the right starter in NZ. $355 delivered via DHL. Will arrive next week. Happy days!