Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starter ?

[CBrabec]

It's time for me to replace my starter, the contacts are worn out. Should I replace it with an OEM starter from the dealership or is a new one from NAPA or O'Reilly's just as good? Also I'm not the most mechanical guy so how hard is it to replace it? What is all involved?



Thanks, Chris

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Chris,

Save your money and get a LarryB's kit to fix your starter. It took me less than an hour to remove the starter, replace the contacts and plunger, then reinstall the starter. Get the special 12 point wrench to remove the bottom bolt; the design of the starter housing makes it difficult to use a socket. Super fast shipping, too. He even has a kit to rebuild the whole starter for a lot less than replacing it. http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/starters.html

Installation is a breeze - http://www.fostertruck.com/contacts-install/?___store=default

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Geno's Garage carries the contact kit and used to carry (might still have some) complete starters. I discussed the contact kit and starter replacement in Issue 78, p. 92.

 

[Cosmo]

I third replacing the contacts in your OE starter. You won't find one of equal quality made today, imho.

 

[BDaugherty]

If you're not the most mechanical guy, have a local shop or a friend remove your starter. They are fairly easy, but the bolts can be pretty tight. Then have someone install the contact kit that has been previously recommended. The reason is that the original starter is very durable and the contacts are the main wear item. Any new replacement will likely be a cheap import so it's worth a little extra effort to keep your original.

 

[CBrabec]

Thanks guys, I think i'm going to order the rebuild kit from Larry and save the money. I can tackle getting the starter out but it always makes me nervous tearing stuff apart and not putting it back together the right way. I watched the video on how it's done and it looks pretty straight forward. My truck currently has 236K on it so do you think I should replace everything in the starter or do you think the replacing the contacts and plunger is good enough? The problem I'm having with my starter is it's sticking on and keeps running more often now ever since my fuel shut off solenoid stuck on. It does it at least once a day now. I fixed the fuel problem with Larry B's kit but now the starter is the newest culprit.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check the motor brushes and replace them too if heavily worn.

 

[BDaugherty]

If you have the time, you can tear it down and then order parts. If you need it back together right away, just order the complete rebuild kit. It's not going to hurt a high mile truck to have new bearings, brushes, and contacts in it while you have it apart.

 

[KRStone]

I did contacts four months ago, now i need to do brushes.
I should have done it all four months ago.
I had to buy a $200 chinese starter until the brushes could be shipped.
If you can, do it all. I have 228k miles