ARCO SW981 Starter Solenoid – Mercury & MerCruiser | 12V Grounded Base
Free returns on all eligible orders
You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.
ARCO SW981 Replacement Starter Solenoid
Keep your Mercury or MerCruiser engine starting reliably with the ARCO SW981 — a direct-fit replacement starter solenoid with a grounded base design. Built to 12V OEM specifications, this solenoid replaces worn or failed units on older Mercury outboards and MerCruiser stern drives without modification.
Compatible Applications
- Mercury outboards and MerCruiser stern drives using a grounded-base solenoid (replaces Mercury 65057, 65057A1, 65057T1)
Replaces OEM Part Numbers
- Mercury: 65057, 65057A1, 65057T1
Specifications
- Voltage: 12V
- Base type: Grounded
Parts Desk Insights
The SW981 uses a grounded base design — the most important fitment detail when selecting a replacement solenoid. Using an isolated-base solenoid in a grounded-base application (or vice versa) will cause electrical faults. Confirm your existing solenoid’s base type before ordering. This solenoid is most commonly needed on older Mercury outboards and MerCruiser stern drives from the 1970s through 1980s that use the Mercury 65057 series. If your application requires an isolated base solenoid, see the ARCO SW058 Isolated Base Solenoid, the ARCO SW097 Isolated Base Solenoid, the ARCO SW054 Isolated Base Solenoid, or the ARCO SW275 Isolated Base Solenoid. For a general-fit Mercury & MerCruiser solenoid, see the ARCO SW109 12V Starter Solenoid.
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 1-3 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.