TDi Starter - Is it Hype?

[Vanagon Nut]

[AndyBees]

This is the 1st of three Remans from Autozone over about 30 days that I installed on my 89 Van. The OE starter had about 148k miles on it. They are OE replacements (not TDI).

This one was a Bosch reman. The other two were no-name brands as far as I could tell. The 3rd one has worked like a champ for about 11 months.

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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[westyventures]

In this forum you won't likely hear feedback from all the non-Vanagon applications I've sold them to as well. Trikes, V8-powered builds, Beetles and buses with Subarus, TDIs and other engines. When I designed the adaptor I thought maybe I'd sell a hundred or so. I think I'm at 700-800 right now. Blown away - so thanks everyone for buying!
I bought a 1990 MV automatic last year, which came with a new rebuilt starter and 'sketchy' engine. I replaced the engine with a DJ-code 112hp wbx I had on hand and at the same time one of my adaptors and the Latrical (CA starter) knockoffs. It never fails to crank fast whatever the temperature, and often fires off in less than one revolution. The fast cranking speed and almost double the torque of the stock starter makes it one of my favorite mods too.

[Steve M.]

[Steve M.]

So to summarize this into the first post so you do not have to read through it.

Even though I did say the 2.1WBX engine there were a lot of response in regards to the conversion engines.
- I obviously see the benefit for the larger or higher compression engines. That was not in question.

The bottom line answer for me is the availability plus the quality builds of these right compared to the "OEM rebuild" now if you are using the 2.1WBX.
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kamzcab86 wrote:

^That's what needs to be quantified: How old were these OEM starters at time of replacement? It's only natural that a new component works better than an old, worn out component. What the TDI starter does have going for it over the OEM is that it allegedly lasts longer. Lots of folks have had rebuilt OEMs fail within a year or two, hence trying something different.

That is a key point - from what is being said there is a lot of "rebuilt" OEM starters failing. What is there to rebuild on these or more accurately exactly does anyone know which parts on the rebuilds are failing?

Okay in this regard if you wanted to rebuild your old starter here is a link to parts for rebuilding your OEM:

https://www.ebay.com/b/Starter-Parts-for-Volkswagen-Vanagon/177700/bn_1502980

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dhaavers wrote:

Sorry to be "that" guy, but your poll seems rather unscientific... I think what you're looking for is more along the lines of a survey' i.e.: "choose all that apply" rather than a poll, i.e.: "choose the ONE which applies"... - Dave

Yeah maybe..I wrote it up before trying to prove Einsteins theory,(before morning coffee x 2 cups)
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AndyBees wrote:

Lastly, the OE TDI starter is still functional in my 2000 Jetta with almost 370k miles on it. So, I do believe they are very robust.

Sounds like a great reason!
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dart330 wrote:

A quick check for a Vanagon starter at AutoZone and O'Reily shows special order only. A 2003 Jetta TDI starter is on the shelf and ready to go, a real life saver on road trips.

Very good point. For this reason alone makes me glad I did change to it.
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crazyvwvanman wrote:

This is one of the major benefits to me as well. There are also other even more common VW gear reduction starters that also work with the "TDI" adapter Karl came up with. I use a version for ABA 2.0 gas engine cars as well as the early years of TDI cars. Not rated as powerful as the later TDI starter but still rated more than the old tech boxer engine starters. Mark

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Gruppe B wrote:

Don't forget that the TDI starter does not use or need a shaft bushing. I had a bushing spin out on one of my vehicles years ago and the starter gear ended up not being supported. It destroyed the starter and the ring gear. TDI all the way...

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Gruppe B wrote:

Benefit #10 You can buy brand new starters instead of a rebuild (no core too) https://www.amazon.com/Valeo-438076-Starter/dp/B00...76+Starter

I agree with you, but your link to the Amazon source did not work.
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Steve M.]

[dhaavers]

FWIW: I've had this bookmarked for when I need it...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDEOKDE/ref=wl_it_dp_...IYI5ADDQEN

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[crazyvwvanman]

For stock Vanagon boxer starters they got stronger over time.

From .7_kw up to 1.0_kw afaik (maybe 1.2kw ?)

The early TDI/ABA starters I'm using are 1.6kw
The later TDI starters Karl specs are 2.0kw

Mark

[Steve M.]

[oceanair]

I'm in the process of having my OEM starter rebuilt locally, from a shop that has an excellent reputation rather than of the shelf rebuild from who knows where, done with who knows what.

For $100, i think it's going to have excellent longevity and if need be a warranty with a local business that does them in house to 'talk' to.

These auto electric rebuilders are everywhere and supports local business.
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84 Vanagon Pop Top Conversion from Tin Top, 1970 Ghia - all sweet rides! Love em!
Previous: Green 72 Tin Top, White 72 Westy, Blue 64 Beetle, Yellow 71 Squareback, 2014 Jetta TDI Wagon - wish I could have them all back!

[Gruppe B]

https://www.amazon.com/Valeo-438076-Starter/dp/B00...leo+438076
This was the one that Insyncro stated he used.

I've just ordered this for my new 1991 Westy Project and already have the adapter from Westyventures. I'll install it once it arrives to ensure it fits.

Westyventures posted a warning on the automatic starter thread that some people have had issues using the Valeo.

Westyventures

[westyventures]

Be careful - this starter uses [shows] an 11-tooth gear, the TDI starters normally have 10-tooth, so not sure this will work correctly. Please do update when you find out though. My money is still on the Latrical / California Starter units.

[Gruppe B]

Thanks Karl,
I'll check the box when it arrives. If 11 tooth I'll ship it back.

Will this Latrical starter work?
https://www.amazon.ca/LActrical-TORQUE-STARTER-TRA...ANSMISSION

[westyventures]

[AndyBees]

TDI starter ........ junk yard pic as I recall.

Although it looks really bad, once I cleaned it up and added some lube, it worked fine. It's been in operation for over two years and about 30k miles.

And, below it is mounted on my tranny with the adapter...

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'84 Vanagon Tin-top, ALH TDI. 1989 Tin-top
1983 Air-cool, 225k miles, 180k miles mine. Seven trips to Alaska from 1986 thru 2003.

[MrTibbs]

I just did the upgrade to the TDI adaptor and starter.

My conversion came w/ a 'hi-torque' IMI starter that worked well for the past 4 years, but recently needed some occasional hammer treatment to crank over the past month.

The new TDI starter definitely spins everything up quicker than the IMI.

[coastdog]

Works great and was necessary on the GW 2.7

[SteveMc]

[Steve M.]

[jberger]

I have not used the TDI starter conversion as yet. I have however used several higher KW (401x?) units on stockers, 2.2 subi's and my 2.4 wax with 220psi static compression results. Mounting this unit combined with diff lock is a bit of a chore but I have not experienced a need for anything else.

J