Starter Motor

[nickspeed]

Any thoughts on starter motors? My S4 has the original type, but I am wondering about a high torque version, to both improve engine speed in the winter months, and to improve the sound, which to me is not great. All advice will be much appreciated, including makes, models and where to buy. Many thanks in advance, Nick

[alan.barker]

For me stay with original Starter Motor.
Just change Bendix and change Oilite Bush next to Bendix. Easy jobs and very cheap, will be good for many years to come.
Alan

[SENC]

I'm with Alan, nothing wrong with the original with a little refurbishment. Sometimes simplicity is best!

[alanr]

The original inertia starter chews the starter ring badly over time.

I have fitted a Powerlite RAC472MS High Torque starter motor and it is excellent. It whips the engine over very quickly and is quiet in operation. Highly recommended!
I definitely wouldn't want to go back to the old inertia starter
Do ensure though you buy the MS version of this starter which has multi hole drilling of the bolt mounting flange to give options for better clearance against the sump.
Just a warning...There are cheaper high torque starters out there than the Powerlite but they have a very mixed reputation.

Alan.

[alan.barker]

Imho the original Starter only "chews" the Starter Ring if badly maintained.
I've seen a few "mangled" Starter Rings from badly "set up" pre-engaged Starters.
Luck of the draw and personal experience i suppose. Lol
Alan

[ericbushby]

I fitted the Powerlite motor some years ago and it is excellent. Apart from turning the engine over faster and drawing less current from the battery, if the engine just coughs once, it will not throw the pinion out of gear like the original did, it will stay engaged until the engine runs properly, This is very useful on a cold morning or if the engine has not run for a while.
There was an issue with clearance once but apparently this has been fixed. If you have any further doubt then ask them, they know what they are doing.
Eric in Burnley (In Menorca just now)
1967 S3SE DHC