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Syncro Starters - 3 years, 4 starters...over it!!
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silversyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:12 am    Post subject: Syncro Starters - 3 years, 4 starters...over it!! Reply with quote

So what are the rest of you doing? My van is a 90 syncro with a 1.8T. The last starter I installed (Bosch reman. from Napa) lasted less then 24 hours before it started acting up...thats a record....at least I got 6 mos. to a year out of the previous units.

I've read up on the Westy Venture TDI units w/ adapter, but apparently Karl has stopped selling starters due to warrantee issues, which to me implies that those reman. starters are not reliable either. He also states on his website that they only work with stock size ring gear...I'm running 6.17 R & P's, so not sure I can go that route?

I've also checked out the GW gear reduction unit, which they of course tout as being the best, but I've also read of reliability issues on these units as well.

So, looking for the latest and greatest solution/advice. As most of you know, the procedure is not a fun one and I'd like this next time to be the last.

TIA Brick wall
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

All my converted vans use Subaru staters which are available brand new.
Just another benefit to an RJES Wink
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Gruppe B
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

NAPA Ultimate reman starter with lifetime warranty is still going strong after 2.5 years.

Before that I went thru 2 poor rebuilds Crying or Very sad

Btw this is on a 92 Eurovan gas automatic
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have had a few of Karls adapters mounted without any issues.
The vans are out and about.
No words from any of the owners I installed the parts for.

I see RMW has borrowed Karl's idea Wink
That may have put the brakes for him.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gruppe B wrote:
NAPA Ultimate reman starter with lifetime warranty is still going strong after 2.5 years.

Before that I went thru 2 poor rebuilds Crying or Very sad

Btw this is on a 92 Eurovan gas automatic


I have completely lost all faith in NAPA as a supplier for starters, foreign and domestic.

Find a local rebuilder.
That can really help with longevity of the rebuild.
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

insyncro wrote:
Gruppe B wrote:
NAPA Ultimate reman starter with lifetime warranty is still going strong after 2.5 years.

Before that I went thru 2 poor rebuilds Crying or Very sad

Btw this is on a 92 Eurovan gas automatic


I have completely lost all faith in NAPA as a supplier for starters, foreign and domestic.

Find a local rebuilder.
That can really help with longevity of the rebuild.


NAPA like many chains gets their rebuilds from various regional facilities, some are better than others. NAPA may also change their suppliers from time to time. Even the warranties vary by location. The last time I checked where I live a lifetime warranty was not available.

Agree with finding a local builder. Sadly I expect our one local builder to be retiring soon and I know of no one with the abilities and gumption ready to set up to take his place. Sad Crying or Very sad
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My local radiator builder, alternator rebuilder and most knowledgeable to rebuilt parts I use are also retiring.
As with many industries, the craftsmen and women are not being replaced by the younger gens Crying or Very sad
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silversyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 9:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dillon, you seem like a smart guy, and while I can appreciate your commitment to the suby platform....I'm not clear how your comment above is supposed to help this particular problem.

I highly doubt that I'll be dumping my 1.8T in favor of a suby for the sake of a new starter...I'm pretty damn stoked on the 1.8T...once the starter makes it run Laughing

but this is not another engine conversion thread

I'll look into a local builder, but that does seem to be a lost art, and even if I can find one, I still don't think they'll address the 20 plus year old copper windings
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's Dylan Wink

I am stating for the record what works beautifully and is available brand new.
Also the design parameter of a very well thought out product for the future.
With all that is possible today conversion wise and designers are still holding on to using parts from the late 80s.
Bafflin'.

I am a fan of the 1.8t as well.
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xoo00oox
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The transmission ring/pinion size doesn't matter, it is the flywheel ring size that needs to be stock.
Karls adapter with a later VW starter is the way to go. These starters are very reliable. His price is very reasonable.


Andrew-
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silversyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 10:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andrew...thank you for the useful & helpful post! Rolling Eyes

I was just doing some more research and realized that I was confusing the 2 ring gears....I always just referred to the flywheel...never realized that thats called the ring gear as well.

Thanks for the confirmation!

I'll definitely call Karl on Monday to see where he is at with the whole thing. I did read a while back that he was researching an avenue to source brand new TDI starters, which would be my first choice. Its my understanding that this has become a problem with all makes and models, foreign and domestic.....rebuilds are simply not what they used to be
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furrylittleotter
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

silversyncro wrote:
Dillon, you seem like a smart guy, and while I can appreciate your commitment to the suby platform....I'm not clear how your comment above is supposed to help this particular problem.


X2

Now the thriving metropolis of 7000 he lives in I losing all of its automotive component rebuilders but fortunately for Dylin and his fleet of immaculate Syncros and his throngs of customers he has connections and perfectly thought out solutions to every conceivable problem while the left of us are left staring at our shoes and kicking at pebbles.

Neil2
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

furrylittleotter wrote:
silversyncro wrote:
Dillon, you seem like a smart guy, and while I can appreciate your commitment to the suby platform....I'm not clear how your comment above is supposed to help this particular problem.


X2

Now the thriving metropolis of 7000 he lives in I losing all of its automotive component rebuilders but fortunately for Dylin and his fleet of immaculate Syncros and his throngs of customers he has connections and perfectly thought out solutions to every conceivable problem while the left of us are left staring at our shoes and kicking at pebbles.

Neil2


Not too worry, two of the most popular new Chaps making used parts available are minutes from me.

I'm less than 2 hours from "The City".

Yes, no shortage of clients looking to have streamlined conversions done with the latest parts available Wink
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you get the adapter and TDI starter(great upgrade) do yourself a favor and get a starter plug of a early '90s golf/jetta and don't waste your time with a ill fitting spade connector.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great addition Mario.
Not sure where everyone is getting starters from, but Valeo has brand new TDI starters, or at least they did.
I bought 10 after running Karl's adapter for about a week, many years ago.

I think Worldpac is where they come from.

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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

silversyncro wrote:
Arebuilds are simply not what they used to be


Units from mass rebuilders have been a crap shoot the whole time I have been working on cars. Nothing new here at all.

One of the tickets to trouble free starter and alternator life is to change the brushes and bearings out before they give any signs of trouble. This way the units run cooler with little arcing and the more expensive components like commutators, rotors, and stators last for very long times.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I will take Wild's points even further...
Sealing up every gap in the housing to help keep moisture out has really helped with "every" starter I have handled.

Shown here is a brand new Subaru Rolling Eyes starter, that was sealed with VW sealing compound, copper anti seize and Wurth waxed before installation:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I know I take building vans to the limit and some feel the products and techniques are excessive, but it works for me and the vans that I maintain really appreciate the effort Exclamation
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

insyncro wrote:
I will take Wild's points even further...
Sealing up every gap in the housing to help keep moisture out has really helped with "every" starter I have handled.



I used to do the same, but then I left the salt belt behind and found that in the clean Oregon rain things don't hardly corrode at all.
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msewalson
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 1:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have the GW starter and so far very happy with it. I was in your shoes not to long ago and was getting tired of swapping out lifetime starters from Auto Zone.

Matt
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 1:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wildthings wrote:
insyncro wrote:
I will take Wild's points even further...
Sealing up every gap in the housing to help keep moisture out has really helped with "every" starter I have handled.



I used to do the same, but then I left the salt belt behind and found that in the clean Oregon rain things don't hardly corrode at all.


After this last winter, I'm ready for island life again Cool

Looking forward to just dealing with salt in the air Laughing
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