Mercury – Quicksilver Engine Starter | 42MT Direct Drive Series | 12-Volt | 8M6007278

Overview

Anyone who’s spent long days around big equipment — whether it’s a trawler easing out of the harbor or a tractor waking up before sunrise — knows how important a dependable starter truly is. When you turn that key, you want your engine to answer immediately, without hesitation or struggle. The Quicksilver 8M6007278 delivers that feeling of certainty, giving heavy-duty marine, industrial, and agricultural engines the strong, steady crank they need to fire up cleanly every time. It’s built for the kind of everyday reliability that makes your work smoother and your time on the water or jobsite less stressful.

Key Features

• Designed for a wide range of marine, agricultural, and industrial engines
• Twelve-volt direct drive system for consistent, high-torque engagement
• Clockwise rotation with an eleven-tooth drive, built on the proven 42MT platform
• High-temperature epoxy-coated armatures for superior moisture and corrosion resistance
• Permanent magnet design delivering stronger torque and dependable unit life
• Copper bushings or heavy-duty needle bearings for smooth, long-lasting internal movement
• Meets Marine SAE J1171 ignition protection standards

Engine & Equipment Compatibility

This starter supports a broad list of engines and equipment commonly found in both marine and land-based applications, including:

• Caterpillar industrial and marine engines
• Champion, Clark, and International Harvester equipment
• Chevrolet and GMC truck platforms
• Ford, Freightliner, Volvo, and Mack engines
• John Deere tractors and heavy machinery
• Versatile farm equipment
• Widely used across marine vessels, generators, and hydraulic machinery

Performance & Practical Benefits

A heavy-duty engine demands a starter that won’t back down under load. The 8M6007278 offers a strong, steady crank that feels firm and confident, even after long periods of downtime or in rough weather. The direct-drive design keeps the motion tight and uncomplicated, minimizing mechanical losses and offering a clean, immediate connection between the starter and the flywheel.

The epoxy-coated armature helps protect the internal windings from salt spray, fog, dirt, and the constant vibration that comes with big machinery. That means fewer unexpected issues and a starter that keeps performing season after season. The permanent magnet build also plays a part here, giving you consistent torque and a dependable feel, whether you’re firing up a vessel on a cold morning or starting a working tractor under a heavy workload.

It’s the kind of part you install once and stop thinking about — exactly the way a starter should be.

Why Buy OEM

Choosing an OEM Mercury Marine part means choosing reliability backed by thousands of hours of testing. With aftermarket components, you never know which corners were cut or which materials won’t hold up. Quicksilver parts, on the other hand, are built to match original specifications, fit exactly as intended, and protect your engine’s electrical and mechanical systems.

Long term, OEM saves you money, time, and frustration. It’s the practical call every equipment owner eventually learns to make.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines does this starter fit?

It fits a wide range of marine, industrial, and agricultural engines from Caterpillar, John Deere, Ford, GMC, and others. Always verify with your manual.

Q2: What sets it apart from aftermarket versions?

Quality of materials, tighter tolerances, stronger torque output, and better long-term durability.

Q3: How do I confirm compatibility?

Match Mercury Marine part number 8M6007278 with your equipment’s OEM starter number.

Q4: Is it safe for saltwater use?

Yes — it meets marine ignition protection standards.

Q5: Is installation simple for most owners?

Most equipment owners find it straightforward when replacing an existing unit.