Date:         Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:23:07 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike S <mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike S <mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM>
Subject:      Re: starters-used vs. cheap rebuilt vs. Bosch rebuilt
Comments: To: Edward Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY134-W9A3654E8A94B05379D5F0DB290@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 04:42 PM 2/10/2008, Edward Duntz wrote...
>I need to replace the starter in my '87 with stock 2.1 engine...
>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

You might also consider doing a simple "rebuild" yourself. They come
apart quite easily and obviously, and a simple cleaning/relubing will
work wonders. Often, it's just dirt/dust and dried out grease which are
making things stiff.

You can also clean up the commutator with a bit of sandpaper. As long
as the  brushes aren't worn too much (you can get new ones, if you want
to go further) and the commutator isn't worn too deep, the result
should be 90% of what a rebuilt one would get you. The hardest part is
getting the brushes back over the commutator when putting it back
together.

The only other thing is the bushings, and you can tell what shape
they're in by trying to wiggle the shaft by hand once the thing is off
the engine.

If none of the options you're looking at require a core exchange,
there's not much to lose except downtime.