Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:09:39 -0500
Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: starters-used vs. cheap rebuilt vs. Bosch rebuilt
In-Reply-To: <BAY134-W9A3654E8A94B05379D5F0DB290@phx.gbl>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Before you change out the starter ... at least try this:
Even if it doesn't do the trick ... a new starter will like you better
for giving it a good place to live. ;)
Remove and clean (polish to bright metal) the ground strap connections
at the body and the forward transmission mount. Disconnect the negative
cable from the battery then remove and clean (polish to bright metal)
all the ring terminals at the starter solenoid. Renew the push on
connector at the solenoid on the wire from the ignition switch and clean
(yeah, you know) the male connector. Clean the battery terminals.
One of my Vanagons had the same symptoms as yours and the above resolved
the problem without having to change the starter. My trick, before
cleaning everything up, was using a broom handle through the wheelwell
to poke the starter while someone else turned the key.
I suspect that changing the starter for some folks "seems" to be the
cure but they may have just cleaned some of the corrosion off during the
change.
Mike
Edward Duntz wrote:
> I need to replace the starter in my '87 with stock 2.1 engine. It used to need an occasional tap if it wouldn't start, but now I have had to hit it with a hammer while a kind passerby turns the key. This has happened twice, both times in the rain and snow.
>
> Already having put several thousand dollars into various mechanical systems in the last few years, and still having undiagnosed running/FI problems, I don't want to spend more than I need to on a starter. So now my question.
>
> I am trying to choose between a used starter for about $55, a cheap AutoZone starter for $90 and free shipping or a Bosch one for $115 (3/4 hp normally for 1.9 engine) or $130 (1 hp normally for 2.1 engine) also with free shipping. Those last two are from Autohaus AZ- best prices I could find. I'm not sure which one AutoZone is selling- they don't say if it is the equivalent of the Bosch SR19X or the SR401X. The Autozone one has lifetime warranty, the Bosch one year, but that includes towing and two years roadside assistance. (I don't know why they would give you roadside assistance for longer than the warranty, but whatever.)
>
> It's tempting to get the cheapest rebuilt. I don't think I want to take a chance on a used. Has anyoe had any experience with the AutoZone Duralast 16722?
>
> Thanks,
> Ed
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