Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) starter

[Tractorat]

The starter is starting to go out on my truck. A new one from chrysler costs about $800 plus whatever for the installation. What kind of luck have folks been having with the new oem starters ? What about getting the original rebuilt ? Do they hold up as well as a brand new unit ? This was the original on my 2002 RAM and the truck has about 118k miles on it.

Thanks

 

[DavidC]

So, what is it doing ?. A lot of the times a solenoid kit fixes most problems and others swear by taking the starter to an electrical shop for other woes.

Dave

 

[Tractorat]

it clicks once then nothing. Its only started acting up and starts on the first try most of the time. But when it doesnt start, it takes several cycles of click, nothing, click, nothing.....

 

[BigPapa]

Get it rebuilt.

 

[drag racer]

when mine goes, I'm trying one of these:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-9053

 

[Tractorat]

Get it rebuilt.

Thanks. I got ahold of what some think to be the premier diesel shop in the pnw. I can get a reman OEM, installed for about $300. So thats what Ill do.

 

[JR]

Larry B offers rebuild kits for these starters for less than 70 bucks. They are very simple to rebuild as long as you can do a little soldering. Good as new when finished.

http://www.fostertruck.com/cummins-dodge-denso-starter-easy-rebuild-kit-94-06.html

 

[turbo torque]

Like JR said , The kit is very easy to install.

Good luck

 

[DavidC]

when mine goes, I'm trying one of these:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pwm-9053

Good reviews, hope it is still around if I ever need to go there. Being 61 I don't know which one will go first so I really don't think buying a spare is a wise idea. :-laf

Dave

 

[gtwitch]

I did Larry-B's kit 9 years ago on my 99 when it started the same issues and this has fixed the OEM stock starter now at 220k miles and winter is hard on starters/batteries here in Wyoming. The hardest part of the whole operation was getting the 10 mm 12 point bolts loose as they are really tight.

gtwitch in wyoming

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I had the same symptoms. The starter itself is fairly robust. I opted to go with the solenoid contact kit AND the 10mm wrench from Larry-B's. http://www.fostertruck.com/ The new contacts from Larry-B's are significantly more meaty than the stock contacts. A little compressed air to clean out years of dust and stuff from the inside, checked the bearings, rotor and stator, and brushes for condition; no problems noted. It took less than 45 minutes; mostly used in cleaning and inspecting and increasing the number of words in my vocabulary regarding the top 10mm retaining bolt...Larry-B has a total rebuild kit for around $110, well worth the cost and a very easy job.

 

[klcammie]

Did mine 2 years ago with the kit from Larry B's. Still working great and as said is cheaper then shop.

 

[jdooner]

Yeah..go the LarryB route. I think Geno's sells it. When I replaced mine, I was 70. You can do it!

jd

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Even if you need new, still go to Larry B's, $450 for a brand new OEM starter. I replaced the solenoid contacts long ago as PM, 15 years old now and 270K and still going.

SHG

 

[MLee]

Yeah..go the LarryB route. I think Geno's sells it. When I replaced mine, I was 70. You can do it!

jd

I'm a few years older than him and I did mine a few months ago. Remember its a mind thing.

 

[jkalchik]

I didn't think the starter replacement on a '99 was all that difficult. Even the top bolt isn't that much of an issue. Ratcheting box end wrenches (trade name "Gear Wrench" help a lot.) 1 big electrical connection and 3 mounting bolts. As long as you're not on your back in the office parking lot at 5 degrees F, it's really not all that bad.

And another endorsement for Foster Dodge & Larry B's stuff.

 

[BigPapa]

I know it is more difficult on a 4X4 due to the front diff than on a RWD.

I find a 3/8" ratchet with just enough extension to clear the other end of the starter with the ratchet works best on that top bolt. You can reach up there easily and guide the socket on with your other hand and what socket set doesn't come with a 12-point 10mm socket?

 

[Texis]

Autozone starter lasted me 10 years & 300,000 miles. Died and they replaced it FREE under the lifetime warrantee. At last count I have a lifetime warrantee on starters, radiators, alternators, steering boxes, shocks, track bars, ignition switches and the list goes on. I typically use O'Reillys just because it's closer.

These folks just don't assume people will keep their trucks for 18 years and 400,000 miles. Their warrantee model is not a winner for them on our trucks LOL.

 

[jkalchik]

The business wouldn't last if the model didn't have some accuracy or truth to it. For every one of us that will see that lifetime warranty pay off, there are dozens who won't. How many Ram diesels were sold last year, and how of of those buyers are members here? To a lot of people, a vehicle is worn out at 50k miles, we're just getting it broken in.