Bosch SR0408X/409X vs HiTorqueIMI-101 gear reduction starter

[dkonzy]

I finally found a core to use to upgrade my starter to the TDI SR0408X with the Westy Ventures adaptor.


Wondering if there is a reliable source. What I DONT want is to go through all this trouble to end up with a poorly reman unit... Is there any way to tell what is Bosch reman vs any others?

Also, looks like the 409 has .2kw more power. Is that the case?


Thanks!

[wbx]

[boulderdrop]

[11CAB]

You can always use a Subaru reduction starter with this kit

www.crankykits.com.au

[syncrodoka]

You have got way more macgyver in you that I do, nice temp fix.

[wcdennis]

Here is a follow-up on the WPS starter that I installed in my Subaru conversion.
Initially I was very impressed and totally happy with the performance. It spun the engine so fast that starting was instantaneous and no more sluggish starts when the engine was hot. BUT--last week we took a trip to the beach and after a couple of days camping, we decided to drive to town to have lunch. When I turned the key nothing happened. My first thought was; did I run the battery down? No wait something is running. I realize the starter is whirring away but not engaged with the flywheel. As quickly as possible, I get the battery disconnected. After it cooled down, I pulled the starter and cracked it open. This is what I found:

The plastic collar that connects the lever to the solenoid plunger was melted.

What caused this, I'm not sure, but now we were stranded. Fortunately, I was able to make a temporary fix with a zip tie:

This actually got us home. I bought a rebuilt Bosch starter from NAPA. It was expensive, but hopefully more reliable.

[tclark]

[r39o]

[wcdennis]

Here are some photos of the eBay WPS SR0408X starter and WestyVentures adapter:

Here it is with the adapter plate:

Here is the adapter mounted on the starter:

Here is the testing video:

Link


All I can say now, is that it works. I haven't decided if I will try to take it apart before I install it and see what the internals look like.

[Gauche1968]

This issue of the gear reduction starters is intriguing me, because I bought one of the Hi Torque starters in Spring 2007, just before GoWesty stopped carrying them due to declining quality standards from the manufacturer. I haven't had a problem with it since, so I am wondering if I got lucky and got one of the good ones or if I am sitting on a time bomb?
_________________
1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[tclark]

[BlackDogVan]

[r39o]

Dang, it seems there almost is NO perfect starter!

So what do I use?

TDI?

or

Porsche?

Anybody have some part numbers so I can find a Porsche one to use with my automatic and Suby?????

At least that bolts in and we know several local Porsche shops as trade partners.
_________________
"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)

[tclark]

[Tristar Eric]

I just installed my TDI starter on my Syncro Doka. I have the trans out, so it's way easier. Here's the thing, don't expect this thing to be changed easily when it's in. The diff lock bracket is notched to allow the starter to sit right on it. Then the diff lock switch is so close that it was not easily tightened.
I'm crossing my fingers that I won't be back in there for a while, but it might just be easier to drop the trans in the future to access the starter.

TDI Power coming soon!

[kenwilfy]

Because they are gear reduction starters they actually turn the engine over exactly half as fast as the stock starters (I forget how I figured this out). They sacrifice spinning speed for torque. I had a customer come in with one of these he bought from a vendor before he came to me. I installed it and then he came back about a year later. Wow this thing turned into a rusted pile of poop in that one year. The warranty was over and so was the starter. I put a Bosch rebuilt unit back on and it is still going strong. What do I put on my Vanagons? Bosch rebuilt starters. They are the best. They are expensive but they usually go the distance versus any other rebuilt starter out there. I tried a few Advance Auto starters when I was first starting out. Can you say "Spray Paint" rebuild? They didn't even a full week out of them before they were acting worse than the old one I took off. Yes they have a lifetime warranty but who wants to spend their lifetime changing them? Not me.
_________________
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
856-327-4936

[wcdennis]

I just bought one of those eBay starters and the Westy Ventures adapter for my 2.2L Subaru powered '84. I have the hot start problem, but never to the point that the engine won't start--although sometimes it just barely makes it. This can be exciting when you accidentally stall it at a crowded intersection. I will report back after I install it.

[tclark]

Just to close this out yes this ebay starter motor
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300277150519

is a WPS(WAIglobal and Transpo Electronics) Unit
they are sourced from http://www.wai-wetherill.com/
looks like they also have an online partplace http://www.wpsparts.com/
and its part 2-1974-BO aka the SR0409X
http://search.waiglobal.com/partsearch/partnum.aspx?part=2-1974-BO

interesting is that 2-1890-BO spec is 1.8KW aka the SR0408X
http://search.waiglobal.com/partsearch/partnum.aspx?part=2-1890-BO
_________________
89 Westy with TDI AHU 1.9 manual lots of mods
85 GL 1.9, auto (for sold)

[tclark]

[BlackDogVan]