GoWesty starter vs. a cheap one.

[TonyInSoCal]

Why is their starter twice (if not more) expensive than anyone else? Is it twice as good?

I need a starter. I have to rap on mine just about every damn time in order to get it to work.

I've bought a LOT of stuff from GoWesty.com. Everything has been spot on. I've even got a sticker on my back window. But do I spend $75 on a USA Industries Refab? Or do I spend $280 at GoWesty?

Advice?
_________________
'87 tin-top Vanagon

[thatvwbusguy]

You don't need to go with either of those options. Check out the starter adapter from Karl @ Westy Ventures instead.

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

The adptor allows you to use the Bosch SR0408X/409X, a more powerful starter from the 1996 - 2003 manual-trans VW TDI (diesel) cars. This starter has ~2.4HP vs ~1.3HP for the stock Vanagon starter.

The SR0408X/409X is a high torque gear-reduction type starter with a self-supporting shaft, so it no longer requires the bronze pilot bushing to position the shaft end if you have a manual trans Vanagon.

The adapter is $75 shipped and you can usually find the starter for about $120.00-$150.00 with a lifetime warranty. This gets you out the door cheaper than the GW starter and doesn't tie you to a single supplier if you do run into problems with it in the future as long as you buy it from a national chain that offers a lifetime warranty.

When my starter needs to be replaced, this is the only choice I will consider.
_________________
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

[insyncro]

There is a used adapter and starter in the classifieds currently as Jay pointed out.
I have used many of Karl's adapters and purchased the TDI starters brand new....all working flawlessly.

[Ahwahnee]

I went with what you call 'a cheap one' and have had no problems with it for many years now. What I like is that it came with a lifetime warranty from a parts chain with stores almost everywhere (Checker then, O'Reillys these days).

I have twice swapped alternators in an Autozone parking lot under their guarantee, I suppose I could change a starter in O'Reillys' lot if I was far from home (I do carry an 8mm Allen wrench on board).

I have no experience with the hi-torque but again (as Jay points out) you will have the comfort of a lifetime guarantee.

[kalispell365]

The other option that seems to have disappeared nowadays is to disassemble it, diagnose the problem and repair it. I often replace starter contacts on Japanese starters for under five dollars, and replace worn alternator brushes (which is all that's ever wrong with these) for around the same amount.
I find the piece of mind knowing my repair was done properly and completely worth the time. Even the Bosch branded items are often rebuilt half hearted by a factory worker in some other country.

There are a bunch of resources to learn this, including the internet as well as your Bentley manual.
_________________
1983 Diesel Vanagon Westfalia chassis with Subaru 2.2l

[shadetreetim]

I just recently added the Karl/WestyVentures adapter and TDI starter to my van, (along with a few other modest changes). The TDI starter cranks the motor over fast. Very satisfying upgrade.

Or, if you wish to go the rebuild route without tackling it yourself, there's a good alternator/starter rebuilder shop in Riverside. I've used him for my work trucks.
_________________
Tim Potts

Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!


'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5

[JudoJeff]

I purchased the GW gear reduction starter in May and I failed on the first startup. Shorted internally. GW gave me a refund, BUT I still paid shipping two times, so it cost me $50. POS.
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout)

[slobrewer]

I installed the GW gear reduction starter a few weeks ago and have been very happy with it so far. It's not a remanufactured unit so it's all new parts.
_________________
White 1988 Vanagon Westfalia (Automatic, A/C, solar, aux battery, 15" GW wheels, 8' Fiamma awning, 63 qt. Edgestar fridge, homebrew on tap)

[rlamb]

[Syncro Jael]

We went with the GW starters on both Syncro's.

About 8 months on one and a year on the other.
Both have worked flawlessly on a WBX 2.1 and EJ22.

I like the TDI starter and when this one goes, I will probably go that route. It is easier to get a replacement and a lifetime warranty that GW does not have.
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[Ahwahnee]

[Jake de Villiers]

I bought a rebuilt Bosch SR401 (I think - the later OEM starter) on Amazon and its been great. Spins my 2.5 Subie like a champ.
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com

[whynotvw]

Karl's adapter with TDI Bosch starter is the way to go. A lot more power then GW starter and more reliable. Less money also. IMHO.

[Gauche1968]

What's the best tool to use to get that lower bolt as you can't get a typical socket on it due to interference from the body of the starter?
_________________
1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[snwbrdr435]

I just used a box wrench

[thatvwbusguy]

Yes, a standard open end box wrench will definitely do the trick. I think a Gear Wrench might be able to sneak in there to make the job a little bit quicker as well.
_________________
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

[SteelB12]

So swapping out the starter is a pretty simple process?? As in, do it in my driveway without anything special

If its described in the Bently I need to wait for the rain to stop. Not in the mood to go out and get it from the van.
_________________
1987 Westy

[thatvwbusguy]

On a 2WD it is a simple job, just two bolts to remove the starter. The gas tank on the Syncro makes the job a lot less fun due to limited room to work.

You will need an allen socket (6mm I think) for the top bolt, so if you don't have that, a trip to the tool store is going to be necessary.

Be sure to disconnect the ground cables on any batteries before you start working.

If you are installing a new stock starter, be sure to inspect/replace the bushing while you are in there. A 7/16" bottoming tap is a common way to remove the old one.
_________________
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
Newmarket, NH


If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

[SteelB12]

Cool, thanks

Yes, its just a 2wd Manual that I need to do this on. Will probably just get one from Bus Depot.
_________________
1987 Westy

[gears]