Differences in High-torque Starters

[kellzey]

I purchased a new high-torque starter a number of years ago from Automotion for my 914. Never installed it.

Sold it exactly one year ago to a gentleman here in Florida for half of what I paid for it.

I get an e-mail from him yesterday saying he's about to install it in his 914 1.8L and that it doesn't fit. His starter gear had nine teeth. The starter I told him which I stated was for a 914 that has eight teeth.

Was I sold the wrong starter?

or is the teeth issue part of the gearing difference part of the "high-torque" design of this aftermarket starter.

How should I adderss this guy after 1 year?

Regards,

[Ron Meier]

If you wanna wait till Tuesday, may be able to answer this question as my electrical books will provide number of teeth.

There was a VW starter that has a smaller gear than the rest, but don't know if tooth count was different.

If gear meshes with ring gear and doesn't bind, it shouldn't matter about the number of teeth - the diameter of gear and tooth pitch would be critical.

Most HT aftermarket starters are just a gear reduction Denso(?) with a different nose (to mate to the car in question).

As far as "the one year ago purchase" - your call - no commercial outfit would even consider a refund.

One way to find out - mount it and turn the engine over with the starter (disconnect coil HT lead so it won't start). You'll know instantly if it's gonna mesh and drive the ring gear. Nasty sounds or lockup mean an incorrect mesh. I would expect a whine due to the higher rotational speed.

Oh, the starter listed and pictured in PerProd catalog has 8 teeth. It's only a ridiclous $289.00. One of the shops that make them, charges $189.00 at swapmeets. 914 starters were 0.7 Kw - there was a 911 starter ('74 or'78?) that was 1.8 Kw and fits perfectly. Cores (that work) can be had for $75.00 and cores that need rebuild $50.00. Granted, they are heavier than the Denso, but 2-3 lbs difference is not gonna make it a rocketship.

PS - did you find Redlands, CA to be as exciting as the brochure says?

[John Rogers]

There are two hi torque starters for type 4 engines, one for 914s and one for busses. The bus has a slightly longer shaft and will jam in place when you spin the engine over. If you can find the reciept you could find if it was in fact for the 914. Since the buyer waited so long, it's his I'd say.

[kellzey]

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