Sierra 18-55506 Starter for Mercury Outboard Engines, 12 Volt

The Sierra 18-55506 is a 12 volt starter built for Mercury outboard engines, engineered to hold up in harsh marine environments where moisture and corrosion take a toll on cranking components. It features an improved solenoid design for maximum reliability, with a stronger connection between the solenoid and commutator brushes and an increased battery stud length that makes wiring the unit easier during installation.

The housing has been upgraded to reduce water intrusion, with seals strategically placed throughout the unit to keep moisture out. A duckbill valve and relief cuts give any water that does find its way in a path to exit before it can cause corrosion, and a reinforced clutch gear spring helps extend the life of the drive mechanism. The starter runs on a 12 volt DC system and delivers 1.4 KW of cranking power. The housing is constructed of plastic with a painted surface finish. Each unit ships as a single, complete replacement starter ready to install.

Specifications

• Brand: Sierra
• Manufacturer Part Number: 18-55506
• Category: Mercury Outboard Starter
• Voltage: 12 Volts (DC)
• Wattage: 1.4 KW
• Cranking Phase Type: Cranking
• Material: Plastic
• Finish: Painted surface
• Weight: 7.15 pounds
• Unit Count: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the Sierra 18-55506 starter fit? The Sierra 18-55506 is built for Mercury outboard engines and is designed as a 12 volt cranking starter for that application.

Is the Sierra 18-55506 a 12 volt starter? Yes, this starter runs on a 12 volt DC electrical system and delivers 1.4 KW of cranking power.

What is the housing material on the 18-55506 starter? The housing is made of plastic with a painted surface finish, part of an upgraded design intended to reduce water intrusion.

How much does the Sierra 18-55506 starter weigh? The Sierra 18-55506 starter weighs 7.15 pounds.

Does the Sierra 18-55506 include any features to prevent corrosion? It includes a duckbill valve and relief cuts that let any moisture that enters the housing exit before corrosion can set in, along with seals placed throughout the unit to reduce water intrusion in the first place.

What comes with the Sierra 18-55506 starter? Each order includes one complete Sierra 18-55506 outboard starter, ready to install as a single unit.

Why does the solenoid design matter on this starter? The 18-55506 uses an improved solenoid design that provides a stronger connection between the solenoid and the commutator brushes for more reliable starts, along with a longer battery stud for easier wiring during installation.

Is the Sierra 18-55506 an OEM or aftermarket starter? The 18-55506 is a Sierra-brand replacement starter built with upgraded features such as an improved planetary seal and a reinforced clutch gear spring to extend service life.

What type of clutch gear does the 18-55506 use? This starter uses a clutch gear with a reinforced spring designed to maximize drive mechanism life span and reliability.

Can the Sierra 18-55506 be used in saltwater conditions? It is engineered for harsh marine environments, with sealing and a moisture relief valve intended to reduce corrosion from water intrusion, making it suited to marine outboard use.