Starter recommendations? Gear reduction options or Bosch

[mattcfish]

So, my 5 year old Bosch rebuilt starter on my modified 85 GL is on the way out. It's always had issues with slow cranking during hot starts, now the solenoid is working intermitantly, especially when my wife drives it.
Been looking for a long term fix.
The gear reduction starters will crank the engine slower, but have more torque, use less power, and don't have the hot start issues. GoWesty has a new version out that promises to be of excellent quality. Van Cafe is also selling one.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23528
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1681_244/starter_-_gear_reduction_style_-_mt.html

These are both pretty pricey, are they worth it? Any other options?

Not to happy with the performance of the Bosch rebuild, what's been successful for the rest of you?
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71 Bay Window
75 BMW 2002
76 BMW R90S
85 Vanagon with 2.2L upgrade

[r39o]

Check the WestyVentures version which is an adaptor and a stock VW starter from a A4, I think.

The other options such as IMI brand, I believe, "seem" to have issues after a time or just DOA right out of the box.

There ARE threads that discuss this very topic.

Did you look at those?????
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[optiks]

i have the westy ventures adapter plate to use a MK4 Golf/Jetta ALH diesel starter and it has permanently solved any and all my starting problems

i would highly recommend it

[mattcfish]

[mattcfish]

So IMI starters have issues? I thought Nippon Denso (the motor they use) was the best there is. http://www.goodvibesracing.com/moreinfo.php
Somewhat cheaper than the other gear reduction units, but if longevity is an issue, I'll stay clear.
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71 Bay Window
75 BMW 2002
76 BMW R90S
85 Vanagon with 2.2L upgrade

[JeffRobenolt]

It seems most will say the TDI starter is the best option.

I agree.

Jeff
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[syncrodoka]

When the GW version finally gives up(as all starters do) where will you get a replacement? Going with a TDI starter opens up replacement options down the road since they can be purchased through many sources.
Just a thought.

[Ahwahnee]

I've had good luck with a rebuilt Bosch from O'Reilly/Checker/Kragen/Schucks with the plus that it has a lifetime guarantee good at any of their locations.

If the TDI starter can be obtained the same way that would make it an attractive option too.

I like lifetime guarantees on ancillaries from nationwide chains. In the case of the alternator Autozone even lent me use of an impact wrench (pulley nut) so I could swap mine in the parking lot of their Albuquerque store.

[chimivee]

[Chuey]

I"ve had a GoWesty starter for about 5 years now and I had almost forgotten about it. That's because it has always worked. If it went bad on a trip, I could use any other starter because there were no modifications other than a wire as I recall.

This thread is the first time I had seen anything about a new GW starter. If it's as good as the old one, it would be a worthwhile expenditure.

Chuey

[MarkWard]

VW diesels have about 400 psi compression per cylinder more or less. The TDI when hot also needs to crank in excess of 250 rpm for the ECU to start fueling the engine. So, a TDI starter should laugh at a WBX engine during cranking.

I am ok with lifetime warranties as long as I am not replacing something every 6 months for the rest of my life.
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[mattcfish]

[MarkWard]

I would not have a problem purchasing anything from GoWesty. Everything I have ordered has met or exceeded my expectations. If their starter is something they are recommending, I would take their recommendation.

You might email Karl at Westy Ventures and ask if he knows the specs, or you might look over at the TDIclub.com website. Lots of experts over there. I don't have a TDI starter at this time on my TDI vanagon. I am using the Bosch Reman Vanagon Diesel Starter. It was quite a bit smaller than the original vanagon diesel starter, so it may be a gear reduction starter as well.

I used to run a Golf Diesel starter on my vw racecar. Those engines were 12 to 1 compression and even hot, the diesel starter would crank the heck out of the engine. markw
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[Gauche1968]

[mattcfish]

Here's a good deal on a rebuilt TDI SR0408X starter.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?part...MgoduVUAsg

Only problem is the $92.00 core charge, I only have a Vanagon Bosch to send back...... you think they'll notice?

Any other bargains out there?
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71 Bay Window
75 BMW 2002
76 BMW R90S
85 Vanagon with 2.2L upgrade

[malibu]

I went with the adapter plate and then got a starter from a 2012 beetle from the junk yard. It was $55 bucks and when it breaks I will have a core.


http://www.lkqcorp.com/search-inventory.aspx
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85 westy weekender - 2.5 suby
85 full westy - 2.2 suby - Sold

[mattcfish]

[syncrodoka]

Info here http://www.westyventures.com/parts.html

[ftp2leta]

On the 83-85 van the main starter wire is simply to small (and old).
It's half the size of 87+ van. Get a new 0 gauge wire before you install a new starter. Old weak wire will kill a new starter in no time (Grounded).

If you have an auto you NEED to install a new ground from starter to the frame on top of a new +.

Before blaming any starter and battery inspect that cable carefully.
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[insyncro]