78SC ROW, Starter Replace, Chicago Pelican

[acapella8]

Hi guys,

[78SC, ROW original Bosch starter, now 33+ years old]

Haven't posted in a while since last year, when I had a "hot-start" issue. Insulated the starter like JW and others suggested and that bought me some time, and it was great all summer.

Starter behaved as expected (OK) every time this winter too.

Fast forward to this weekend, where it warmed up a bit, and was sunny. Spins fast, no turnover. I have strong current (proper VDC on yellow wire, etc) and new ground strap and mounting points were replaced last year. Big draw measured when starting so I know the starter is drawing the amps.

I disco 12v, remove passenger rear wheel, whack with hammer, and she starts fine. I replace wheel, go to start, and same symptoms, spins but no turnover and no start.

I repeat above twice, each time I WHACK the starter with a hammer, she runs great. So I suspect that the solenoid (or bendix mechanism) which I free up by my whacking is what "frees it up".

Things I know:
Amazon.com: Bosch SR68N New Starter: Automotive

Amzn has a new starter SR68N for $271, link shown above - hopefully that SR68N one is valid for my 78SCROW. And I have a few options from great pelicans here for a good, working used starter as well. (which I may explore..)

I am looking to source the starter myself, but need assistance and/or recommendation for chicago area shop to assist with install. The bear hugging madness looks a bit beyond me to be honest as I have physical left arm issue at moment preventing from being as handy as I usually am at DIY tasks. (I'm young but have limited left arm movement at moment)

Can anyone recommend Chicago-area resonable effort/hr starter shop or DIY pelicanite who might be able to assist?

Thanks as always guys!

Tom
tomkentish (at) gmail (dot) com

[Oh Haha]

I'm too far to help you but I'll bump for the afternoon crowd. I would suspect Legion or Soukus would be able to give you a contact name.

[acapella8]

Appreciate the bump Wayne, for clarity I am in NW burbs. Near Hoffman Estates/Schaumburg area....

[911dean]

How much work is involved in changing the starter? I live close by and would may be willing to help change it. I have mechanical experience, but I don't own a 911 nor ever have. I'm currently looking for one. I think sourcing a shop to change the customer supplied starter may be difficult. Also labor warranty will be an issue if the part is bad out of the box or has failure shortly after replacement. There are two indy shops in the area Midwest Eurosport and Fisher.

[tonypai]

I changed mine over the winter but I dropped the engine to do it. Very easy with everything on the floor.

I have a buddy in your area that can help out. He works out of a transmission shop right by the Arlington Raceway.

PM me if you're interested.

[acapella8]

The top mounting nut is the real PAIN to get at. (left arm has liminted mobility at moment)

I agree I'm at a bit of disadvantage in looking for shop who will take cust supplied starter.

Fishers (Rich) does excellent work, and I've used them in the past for bigger stuff that I couldn't do, but need to keep this cheap due to available funds.

Tom

[911dean]

If you want I can take look at it and tell how hard it will be for me to get at it. PM me if your interested.
Dean

[DaddyGlenn]

Electrical connections are easy. Lower, out board nut is reasonable. But that upper one is going to have you flat on your back hugging the transmission using your chest to clean the bottom of the tranny and getting all sorts of stuff falling on your face and in your mouth ever time you curse that damn nut you can't see and can almost reach.

[MotoSook]

Wayne sent me a heads up...

This is not a difficult job, but would be for a man with 1.5 arms. On a lift (I've got two in the barn..pick one ) it isn't bad, and if the barrel nut is a bit testy a partial drop will provide access to the nut from the topside.

I'm out in the far west burb if you want to come out this way. E-mail me "souk at motomotions dot com"