Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) what brand of replacement starter

[APulpan]

I think my starter is giving up and was wondering what brands of starters are recommended. Also how much is the cost?

Thanks!!!

 

[BigPapa]

I would suggest rebuilding the original.

 

[JR]

I would suggest rebuilding the original.

Ditto. Larry B has everything you need to make yours good as new at a fraction of the cost. The quality of reman starters is sketchy at best, and a quality new unit will cost an arm and a leg.

 

[mwilson]

Another vote to repair what you have. Larry B's contacts usually bring them back to 100%. A very durable unit for sure. I think they are the toughest starter I have ever seen.

 

[chipster]

I bought a new oem starter from Larry B's and all is good including the price. Try it you'll like it.

 

[APulpan]

Well thanks for all your helpful suggestions, most towards rebuilding it. I spent a lot of time on Larry B's website since viewing the posts and even called him today with questions in which he cleared right up. I didn't know it was so easy to rebuild the starter. 70 bucks and my starter will be ready for another 200,000 miles

 

[Grizzly]

If you must replace the starter get an OEM.

 

[APulpan]

Well I chose to use Larry B's as most of you advised that and it turned out exceptionally well. Thanks for all the input.

 

[Wayne M.]

You did right, but Know your area. Not far from me, there's still a generator shop still in business. He is 3rd generation and does great work. He just rebuilt a generator for a '55 Dodge a co worker has. Did an awesome job!
There once was a starter and a radiator shop in every large town- not anymore.

 

[JDoiron]

I have a 2002 Dodge 5.9 Cummins with 170,000 miles and it still turns me on every time I get in it, I just changed the water pump, belt and idler pulley just for preventive maintenance. I was thinking about the starter rebuild next. I am not having any issues but I guess I just like to stay ahead of mechanical problems. Should I do anything with my starter at this time or just keep on turning the key and cranking on ? How about the alternator, what is life expectancy for that part?

 

[JR]

I have a 2002 Dodge 5.9 Cummins with 170,000 miles and it still turns me on every time I get in it, I just changed the water pump, belt and idler pulley just for preventive maintenance. I was thinking about the starter rebuild next. I am not having any issues but I guess I just like to stay ahead of mechanical problems. Should I do anything with my starter at this time or just keep on turning the key and cranking on ? How about the alternator, what is life expectancy for that part?

You'll probably not find as quality a part as what was originally attached to your engine (with the exception of the original VP/Carter lift pump). That being said, time, use, and heat cycles all take a toll on components. What I did was buy the critical sensors along with a starter and alternator rebuild kit and keep them on the shelf. I have since used both the starter and rebuild kit as well as the APPS. I bought another new/old/unused APPS from a member on here that sold off his truck to keep as a spare. The sensors I generally keep in my little tool box in the back of my truck just in case they go bad while on a road trip. For the most part they are all easy to replace if/when necessary.

 

[petersonj]

I think my starter is giving up...

Like BigPapa recommends - rebuild the original (it is a quality starter). I, too have a 2002 truck (253,000 miles) with s six speed and I put a solenoid kit in at 144,000 miles because of starting problems. The kit consisted of pieces from the shelf at Napa, so I knew the contactors were not heavy duty, but it worked. So at 219,000 miles (with no problems) I installed a Geno's solenoid kit for about $30.00.

When I had about 130,000 miles on the truck, I (like you) was concerned about brushes a bearings in the alternator (a Bosch). When I called a highly recommended local supplier ,the fellow said, " I will be happy to sell you a set, but you are at about half life for the brushes and about one-third life for the bearings. I thanked him for his honesty and I replaced brushes and bearings as a maintenance item at 216,000 miles.

So, as you can see, there some quality parts attached to our engines. Geno's Garage can supply you a kit for both the starter and the alternator.

Hope you are enjoying your truck.

- John

 

[JDoiron]

Thanks to all. I get stuff from Geno's so I will order repair parts for both. This will be a rainy weekend job for me later in the year.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Did Larry B the first time. And had the original rebuilt by a shop the second time

 

[Joe Mc]

Used Larry B's rebuild kit, about 115k miles ago... still firing the old girl like a charm!!!