ColoradoBill

I have been having starter problems, and thought I'd pull it and rebuild (someone told me this was possible) but my local parts shop can't find a kit. Are these available? Also, has anyone out there done it?

I think my problem is actually a grounding problem, but planned on pulling the starter, too, and cleaning terminals, solenoid, and rebuilding more as preventitive maint. if it wasn't that difficult.

Any input would be appreciated.

kelsean

i pulled the starter off my n/a and had it rebuilt no problem. It had about 100k miles and 10 yrs on it. Cost about $110. IIRC, they had to order the bendix -took an extra day.

You should be able to drop it off at any generator/starter rebuilder for around the same price. That is unless you'd planned on doing it yourself... then i wouldnt know what to tell you -never tried that! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

IceShark

I believe it should come out well less than $125 in parts if you are changing out the solenoid and pinion/bendix gear, which are the normal wear items.

Kelsan is correct that the pinion gear might take a while to get as that rotates backwards from all the other applications in that Bosch starter shell. Another "unique" pain in the a$$ item for our babies.

I can probably get the parts from the German manufacturer that supplies my headlight kit voltage regulators if you have trouble finding them locally at a reasonable price. Drop me an e-mail at wraydan@msn.com if you want me to check and order the parts.

Olli Snellman

Bosch starter rebuild kits are available (at least in europe)from every auto parts store.If it's only starters internal parts, it cost only few dollers (not solenoid parts).I rebuild few years ago my previous '87 na's starter it cost me about 15fim which is about 2$.

Olli
'88 951

WillyC4S

Olli,

I just put a used starter in my '86 951 tonight after I broke the mounting flange on my previous starter (bolt seized up and cracked flange when I was forcing the bolt to turn). I hate bleeding the clutch!

Anyways, I took a good look at the starter and it looks tricky on how to separate the casing. The solenoid seems to be held on by 3 philips screws. The main casing seems to be held on by the two heat-shield mounting bolts. Seems you have to use a 7mm or 8mm socket to turn those loose. Is that how to separate the main casing or are there other bolts, screws that are hidden?

There's also a set of 2 philip screws at the end of the starter which seems to hold on a cap. This is the cap that's in between the 2 heat-shield mounting bolts and aligned with the center axis of the pinion gear.

What items are there to change out inside the main casing and in the solenoid? Is the solenoid a single replacement item or is that re-buildable as well?

Thanks,

*****

Olli Snellman

*****,
you have figured it out right how to disassembly the starter.
There's quite seldom something wrong with solenoids.They are sold as a complete units only.Actually there are not so many parts in it..
Also Bendix device is a complete unit.Only starter internals can be bought separetly.These parts are in 99% of cases you should replace.

Olli
'88 951

WillyC4S

Olli,

Thanks for the information.

What is a Bendix unit? I've never heard this term used before. Is that the coil?

*****

IceShark

*****, it is the little gear that engages the flywheel to start and then backs off and disengages when you release the starter.

I believe the Bendix Company invented it who knows how many years ago and the name has stuck to become the generic term. Like Kleenex is to nose wiping tissue.

jim968

FWIW, the problem may be as simple as clutch crud jamming the Bendix mechanism. I had an intermitten no-crank condition on the 968 about 18 months ago... could hear the starter motor whizzzing away, but the engine didn't crank. Dropped the starter (disconnect battery first!), used brake cleaner on the shaft / Bendix gear area, then lubed with a graphite spray, and lubed the front & rear motor bushings. Cured it for a year and a half.

This didn't work when I had the same failure recently. Paragon listed a complete rebuilt for $139 exchange, but it was NIS... got it from Zim's for $169 exchange.

Dunno how these 968 prices will compare to 944 prices, since I think it's a different starter.

The three Phillips heads that hold the solenoid onto the starter nose casting were frozen on mine, BTW. good place for an impact screwdriver, and an overnight soaking in PB Blaster.

Jim, "Freedom begins when you tell Mrs. Grundy to go fly a kite."

WillyC4S

Thanks guys for the info. I'll play around with my extra starter and see what's inside.

If my used starter acts up, I'll just have to take it apart and put in my original starter guts since that's working.

*****