I keep eating starters (Long)

[rthomse]

I have a 1983 GMC K2500 6.2litre with 118,000 miles on it.A little history on it .Its was parked for 7 years because of an illness prior to my purchase in 1998 ,with 81000 miles on it.Many of the parts I had to replace were original equipment.The OEM starter went 2 years ago since then I've put in three rebuilt NAPA starters.Now I have another starter problem.Everything in the trouble shooting book and the forum's has been done.All grounds clean
and tight new battery cables the works.Now I need another starter.If anyone out there could point me in the right direction I'll be forever greatful.Am I misssing something???Are NAPA STARTERS Junk????? :confused: :confused: :confused:

[ 01-12-2004, 04:26 PM: Message edited by: rthomse ]

[gavio]

A lot of folks upgrade to the gear-reduction type starter as used on the 6.5s beginning in the early nineties.

I followed their lead and have not regretted it. I got it from NAPA - they had one they sold through their truck division for a really good price. I can't speak for longevity yet, as it's only been about 6 months, but so far it rocks.

I highly recommend the upgrade. Be sure you check the number of teeth and open/closed nose to get the right application - as I recall I got the one they listed for a '94 6.5 4x4 automatic and it was perfect for my '83 6.2 van. They'll have a catalog with pictures you can match up.

Good Luck.

[CleviteKid]

My AutoZone rebuilt starter went in 4+ years ago, and has been troublefree since. I considered the gear reduction, but the big old heavy straight drive works just fine, starting my high-compresion SAA engine in about 1/2 turn of the crankshaft.

You should really also check the R&R manual that TheDieselPage.com publishes. It has details about checking the clearance in the mesh between the starter and the flywheel or flexplate.

Also, one or two weak batteries can masquerade as a bad starter. They show high voltage at a low load, but drop way down in volts when the starter puts a big load on them.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[ 01-12-2004, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: CleviteKid ]

[arveetek]

I and several other members have had bad luck with rebuilt starters. I bought a "lifetime" warranty rebuilt starter from my local parts house. What that means is that I will have to continually replace my starter for a lifetime! ;)

Actually, this last one I replaced has been in there for a year or so. Perhaps I finally got a good one.

I would recommend getting an actual AC Delco starter, either the standard type or gear drive style.

Casey

[rthomse]

Batterys were new in Sept 03 as the starter was.Batterys were load tested today and came out fine.The shim is proper for engagement to the flywheel.Thats why the note of desperation!!!!

[Dan Wilson]

Make sure the starter brace at the front is tight to support that end of the starter.
Dan

[rthomse]

Starter support is there.

[gmctd]

Good starter, batt's charged, what is actual cranking duration before engine fires and runs?

[rthomse]

On a normal start 3-5 second's Its been cold here lately took two to three tries to get he going she'd fire and stall.Found a burnt glowplug .I'm recleaning the cables and replacing all ground's

[rthomse]

Wish me luck!!!!
I just got my new DB electric gear reduction starter via ground UPS. $146.00 + 15 shipping new!!!!!!.Its do or die time for my fossel fuel burner!!! Ive replaced all battery cables all grounds everything !!!I'll keep yall posted!Thanks for the help

[rthomse]

It's alive!!! Replaced the starter ,old one was bad.Got my money back to boot.Replaced glows with AC 60Gs and away it went .Thanks once again to the forum! http://www.dbelectrical.com

[ 01-19-2004, 04:14 PM: Message edited by: rthomse ]