Greg wrote:

In the process of nursing my old Mariner through 12 years and 3000 hours I went
through several of these solenoids. The last ones I bought were sold as lawn
tractor starter solenoids at the BORG and they lasted a lot longer than the
"official" mercury unit. It was an exact fit and about half price.

AND not ignition protected.

Merc/OMC does not make these things, they are bought "off the shelf" from a
relay maker, put in a logo'ed box, marked up egregiously and sold as an
"outboard" part.

Generally not true. Electrical parts for outboards are usually built to
spec, yes, often by an outside supplier, and are USCG ignition
protected. They absolutely resemble regular automotive or industrial
non ignition protected parts and will provide the same function but it
would be very irresponsible for an outboard manufacturer or service
professional to use the generic (non-marine specific) parts.

Technically, you could not pass a Courtesy Inspection with the generic
parts, but no Power Squadron or Coast Guard member has ever checked much
beyond fuel containment, ventilation, and intake spark arrestors on our
boats for ignition protection.

The parts on this unit are 5-prong cube-style relays and are available
in the aftermarket. I've never seen one on a lawn tractor.

Rob