Which brands of remanufactured starters are OK?

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I've been calling around town for rebuilt starters. The range of prices is amazing.
Advance Auto Parts - $233 Worldwide or $155 for Delco,
CarQuest Auto parts - $360 brand unknown;
AutoZone - $299. 99 for Duralast and $203. 99 for another Duralast;
Checker Auto Parts - $126. 99 for Autolite.

All of the starters have a lifetime replacement warranty. Anyone have any experience with a particular brand? Based simply on price, that Autolite looks real good! However, I would hate to have to keep replacing it every 2 years just to save a couple bucks. I'd rather have it last a long time.

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'95 2500 SLT ClubCab, automatic, 3. 54 LSD

 

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My experience with 3 or 4 over the counter rebuilds is that they are junk. My last rebuild I took my starter to the local automotive electrical shop that specializes in rebuilding starters and generators. Excellent job with new bushings and upgraded brushes and springs.

 

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Tim,

Is the whole starter shot or is it just a solenoid problem? If it's just a solenoid problem there is a repair kit available. Search the archives for the part number.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

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Also, see if you have a local diesel/electric repair shop. They can be pretty reasonable on removing and rebuilding or just rebuilding a starter.

 

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Tim,

I have the $233. 99 one from Advanced Auto. It must be the Worldwide.

I'm happy with it.

Boldt's Wagon is right. The first Worldwide starter from Advanced used to engauge the ring gear with a "bang". I didn't like the sound. It got louder as it got colder out. After 2 months I pulled it and brought it back to try another one. Sure enough, when I compared the new starter to the old starter the pinion gear measurement at the retracted position was 1/4" different. They gave me another starter and now its fine. It was a Shoddy rebuild, IMO.

You can get a NEW Nippondenso Starter from Diesel Electric Service for $350. 00.

Or you could get the starter solenoid rebuild kit with the above company.

One good thing, The starters are easy to change on our trucks. I can do mine inside of 10 mins. #ad


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Bill R
94 2500 SLT 4x4 5 Speed, 3. 54 LS, JRE 4" exhaust, Autometer Pyro, Boost & Water temp gauges, Bosch 215 HP injectors, Timing @ 14. 7º, JRE Stage III #4 plate 270/675, AFC spring kit, Scotty Air, Bully Dog Propane Injection, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Optima Red Tops, Geno's Exhaust Blanket, Espar Heater (won it!), Synthetic lubes throughout.



[This message has been edited by HEMI®Dart (edited 01-16-2001). ]

 

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Thanks for the input guys. I did both. I ordered the cheapest of the starters as well as the rebuild kit from Diesel Electric. I'll keep the original starter. The core charge is only $15. That's a cheap spare.

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'95 2500 SLT ClubCab, automatic, 3. 54 LSD

 

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Originally posted by Boldt's Wagon:
My experience with 3 or 4 over the counter rebuilds is that they are junk. My last rebuild I took my starter to the local automotive electrical shop that specializes in rebuilding starters and generators. Excellent job with new bushings and upgraded brushes and springs.

I agree with you. Most mass produced rebuilt starters are junk. My brother-in-law used to work at a local auto-diesel electric shop. They did a good job, but his thoughts were clean em up spray new paint on em and out the door they go from the big rebuilders. You might get a good one this way, but I wouldn't put too much money on it.

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 3873 miles as of 01-04-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

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The only thing that ever goes wrong with Nippondenso starters is,the copper contacts inside the solenoid wear down far enough that electrical current will no longer go through when you hit the key.

Look for an electrical rebuilder in your area and pick up a pair of contacts. They're simple to install. I know I don't need them yet,but I bought a pair for 'just in case'.

-Mike

 

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Mike,

I rebuild the solenoid with new contacts, plunger and everything else. It worked OK for about a year. Then it started acting up again. I should have pulled the solenoid apart and inspected it. I wouldn't think the contact would burn up that fast.

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Bill R
94 2500 SLT 4x4 5 Speed, 3. 54 LS, JRE 4" exhaust, Autometer Pyro, Boost & Water temp gauges, Bosch 215 HP injectors, Timing @ 14. 7º, JRE Stage III #4 plate 270/675, AFC spring kit, Scotty Air, Bully Dog Propane Injection, Roadmaster Active Suspension, Optima Red Tops, Geno's Exhaust Blanket, Espar Heater (won it!), Synthetic lubes throughout.