Starter Brand?

[mkiii222]

Any opinions on Duralast/Bosche/NAPA reman starters?

Long story short my Toyota reman starter is going out after only 4 years. :1zhelp:
(and yes I know for sure it's the starter and not CPS wiring, relays...)

Since the Toyota one dropped dead so quickly I figured an aftermarket can't be any worse. Am I wrong?

 

[CyFi6]

What exactly went bad in the starter?

 

[JDMMA70]

Change the contacts in the starter cost 20 bucks at advance auto

 

[mkiii222]

The only thing that gets it going (other than roll starting it) is whacking the starter with a wrench. Typically indicates the solenoid.

It's my only car so I'd rather spend a little more money and a lot less time just swapping it rather than trying to rebuild it.

 

[Dylan JZ]

I have decent experience with both various Nissan starters as well as Toyota/Lexus, and to be honest, they have never struck me as being phenomenal. However, like with many things OE versus aftermarket, I would highly suggest OE when it comes to starters, and I can tell you, 4 years probably isn't too bad for these.

The ones on RBs go frequently IMO, the ones on VQs didn't seem too fantastic, the one on my mother's ES300, or even the one on both my friend's S14 and his Corolla. All have come and gone a few times as I recall, and that may just be the way it is. Then again, it gets really hot in FL, so that may or may not be the cause here.

The starter on my 1J is actually aftermarket IIRC, but if it goes again, I'll be going back to Denso. If one couldn't or rather wouldn't go Denso, then I suppose Bosch would be the next one I'd try.

 

[JDMMA70]

Take it out check the contacts more than likely its that mine had the same issue

 

[CyFi6]

Just a quick test before you replace the starter. Next time you can't get it to start, try running a jumper wire from B+ directly to the trigger terminal on the starter. Make sure the car is in nuetral/park, but if it cranks over you have a problem with your wiring (easily fixed with a relay) which is very common in these cars.

 

[mkiii222]

Tried the relay trick already.

For anyone else, I'm not asking for advice on how to get it started/fix the current starter, just brand experience/opinions.

 

[radiod]

I've got a Bosche one in my car right now, it's been working fine for the past year. My Toyota one decided to start grinding away on my flywheel one day (on cranking), and that was the quickest thing I could get my hands on that still looked somewhat trustworthy. I did like the fact that their warranty includes paying for the tow if you get stuck SOL because their starter failed, though I don't know if that's a Canada only thing.

 

[JDMMA70]

Denso they were the oem starters I wouldnt trust anything else. However if youre replacing know your whole issue could be a 20 dollar fix. Most denso starters that go "bad" majority of the time if not all its either wiring or the contacts. My original starter just needed new contacts I regret buying a reman starter

 

[Poodles]

Repairing as starter is very easy, but if you want to buy one, pick up a Denso. They supply them for Toyota. The rest are IMHO like taking a Toyota to a Ford dealership for a rebuild

Rebuild directions are in the TSRM IIRC, and yes, it's usually an easy (and cheap) fix.

 

[Nick M]

Ask for a 91-92 reman starter. You will know it is the later starter because it has threaded holes instead of a bolt with a nut. A bolt and nut is better for stretch, but the threaded hole is easier to deal with in your driveway.

I have gone through some reman alternators from Napa by Bosch. They were not Toyota, so keep that in mind. Toyota remans should be as good as the original. The problem is even Nippondenso is doing manufacturing in China.

 

[Skeezix]

I had to change mine not too long ago and my parts guy had two options, bosch for 180 with 1 year warranty, or AC Delco for 130 lifetime warranty. So I just got the one that will give me a free one if it pooches out, and the Delco was reman in the US. My ignition switch was also messed up so I had to install a push button, it's great I love it:icon_razz

 

[Poodles]

Remanufacted in the US =/= quality. Just sayin...

 

[staehlin180]

never heard anything good about the duralast starters, most of my friends that installed them were lucky enough to have them take a shit right before the 1 year warranty was up. I put a napa gold one in mine, had to replace it after about 18 months, but the new ones been good for 3+ years

 

[nuggets]

I bought a remanufactured Denso years ago and it is still working like a champ. It was a 91 model year version (for my 89+).

 

[mkiii222]

Thanks for all the input. Going with a reman denso from pep boys for $58. I couldn't believe they had a denso IN STOCK!!!

I'll try to remember to take pics for a first timers guide to doing the starter.

 

[Poodles]

3 feet of extensions and a swivel

 

[mkiii222]

3 feet of extensions and a swivel

Check and check. Add a sore back by the end of it.

 

[mkiii222]

Just got back from Pep Boys. The one that had it in stock was by the air port and my dad needed a lift this morning so it worked out.

Turns out Prostart reman Denso is actually a Bosch. Hmm. It's in town and should last a couple years so I got it anyways.