Best starter for Subaru converted Vanagon

[buffbuh]

That Autozone starter I can comment on - the one I got was making a hideous noise. I took it in, and it tested bad, so they gave me a replacement (lifetime warranty! - that's the good!). I'm still hearing the same noise. Maybe it's not the starter.

But it starts every time, no problem.

I just put in a low mileage JDM 2.2L Subaru motor, so I'm in for another long haul with Vanagon adventure.

Westyventures, thanks for making that adapter plate available again!

buffbuh

[Outback Kampers]

[unloneliestonie]

Old thread but I'll contribute that with my 2.5 I swapped a junkyard 91' vanagon starter in place of the 1.9 original & it has made a world of difference with the hot engine starts. Only went with this option because the adapter plates were out of stock. Hopefully it holds up!

[buffbuh]

The starter has worked fine since I got it. The Subibus is not my daily driver, but no issues with the starter, and it has a lifetime guarantee, so pretty good cheap option.

Buffbuh

[buffbuh]

Autozone part # 17703 Duralast starter will serve as BOSCH SR0408X replacement - 104.99 dollars lifetime warranty.

Unfortunately, I thought I was just replacing a bad Vanagon starter - turns out my '97 2.2L Subie may have a serious problem. So I cannot yet give you judgement on the Autozone Duralast starter.

Buffbuh

[thummmper]

I'll letchya know when I have that problem, ken. 90GL /90 2.2. My starter has a remanufactured sticker on the side of it. how much is the sr----starter and your adapter?

[tclark]

[mblotz]

to me, the best starter for a subaru converted van is----------- a SUBARU starter! that would mean you would need a smallcar or RJES bellhousing though. which probably isnt an option (already converted). I've done conversions using VW starters, and im really diggin the bellhousing set up

[r39o]

In my case my starter is coming as a freebie from my trusty TDI mechanic who takes care of my 2 TDIs.

Too bad I can not afford a TDI in our automatic Westy.......
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[VisPacem]

[tclark]

I just found this post
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=2373805&postcount=518
SR0409X is a 2KW with 10 teeth and CCW rotation
vs
the SR0408X 1.8KW 10 tooth CCW

hmm if that right i guess you want the SR0409X
_________________
89 Westy with TDI AHU 1.9 manual lots of mods
85 GL 1.9, auto (for sold)

[Outback Kampers]

[tclark]

I C 2 different part number for the manual version of the TDI starter
Bosch SR0408X and SR0409X

what is the differenence

I have seen that SR0407X is for automatics but KarlM adapter choice makes the manual version work with ONLY the manual version of the starter ..
_________________
89 Westy with TDI AHU 1.9 manual lots of mods
85 GL 1.9, auto (for sold)

[Outback Kampers]

I believe BuffBuh has a Subaru conversion - many have found the stock WBX starter not quite powerful enough to start these when hot. That's why they are now using the SR0408X and my adaptor (made right down on Main St.)
_________________
Karl Mullendore
1990 Syncro 16" sunroof Reimo highroof conversion
1990 Westy Multivan 112i automatic
1992 LT31 Karmann Distance Wide 'La Tortuga'
2014 Touareg X TDI

[thummmper]

Buff!
can you recreate the failing condition on your driveway? do so if you can and cool the starter with water. try, like ben said, tapping it with a wrench, hammer or whatever you can get up in there. If either of these make it work, then your armature is worn out and you need to rebuild or replace the starter. you will save shipping, help your local economy and cut to the chase. a healthy 2.1 starter is all you need unless you want to rube goldberg it. [complicate] there's some rebuild shop in your town that needs the work. lets bring main street back a little.

[Outback Kampers]

[tclark]

[Outback Kampers]

Hopefully that [Chinese] starter was just a fluke and they are not all that way, because the price is great!

The Advance Auto starter, if pictured as the part you are buying, is not the correct starter - the TDI starter has a self-supporting shaft. Note also that at that price you're most likely getting just another Chinese starter. All manufacturers are heading that direction, unfortunately, to stay competitive.
_________________
Karl Mullendore
1990 Syncro 16" sunroof Reimo highroof conversion
1990 Westy Multivan 112i automatic
1992 LT31 Karmann Distance Wide 'La Tortuga'
2014 Touareg X TDI

[tclark]

[buffbuh]

I can't recommend that WPS starter anymore. It worked like a CHARM for a while, and the power is a GREAT upgrade from stock starter, so I STILL want the upgrade. BUT I will have to choose a different brand starter. After a few months with the WPS, I could hold the starter gear with my hand and stop it from spinning. In the car, it would not spin nor start my car. I should have posted this earlier - just a lot on my plate lately, so I'm glad you inquired.

It made a horrendous clacking sound. I thought that the external gear had stripped, or worse my fly wheel??!! External gears were fine.

Taking the starter apart, it appears to be a flaw in design. Connecting internal gears do not fully engage, just the tip of them, and over a short period of time, it wears and rides on stripped end. (I should have taken a picture when I had it apart!) Plenty of gear for engagement, but it looked like by design, they could not engage fully.

I did talk to the seller about it, and he agreed to replace it for me, but why would I want to risk having the same starter with the same design? I just plan to bite the bullet and use it as a core towards a rebuilt SR0408X Bosch.

MJM Autohaus seems like a good price online - HAS ANYONE INPUT OR REVIEW ON MJM AUTOHAUS?

BuffBuh