Almost stranded in Golden

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Nov 13, 2011 | 10:06 AM

dwigmore

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Cross-Country

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Almost stranded in Golden

Yesterday the family and I were driving home from Vernon to Red Deer. Stopped in Golden for lunch, and when we piled back in, the truck wouldn't start - not even a click! Checked the batteries (they were fine), then threw on the coveralls and crawled underneath. Tapped on the starter and solenoid with a wrench, crawled out, hit the key and away she went!

Now I'm in the market for a new starter - any suggestions? I was thinking of hitting NAPA in the morning...

Nov 13, 2011 | 10:10 AM

dagren99

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From: Virginia - SW (Riner)

I'd get the napa one but keep you're original and have it rebuilt. The cheap reman stuff doesn't last long.

Nov 13, 2011 | 11:20 AM

papadelogan

Snowboard season cometh..

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From: Gulf Coast of Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagren99

I'd get the napa one but keep you're original and have it rebuilt. The cheap reman stuff doesn't last long.

This sounds like the way to go. I had the OEM alternator rebuilt in my 96 Passat because 1) it was the least money, 2) the OEM Bosch was much higher quality than any of the replacements (that were under $300!), and 3) I didn't need it right away.

Since you're in CO, here's where I took mine:

D & D Auto Electric 10920 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 <nobr>(303) 423-6522</nobr> ‎

If you have the time, I'd pull it, take it to them and have it rebuilt, then bolt it back in. I bought a new OEM starter for ~$180 but that was 2 years ago. If I'd have kept my original, I'd have had it rebuilt.

One other thought: It may just be some loose bolts. Not at the starter, but near the firewall on the steering column. Mine were VERY loose and I'd get EXACTLY the same symptoms. Sometimes whacking the starter worked, sometimes not. I tightened up the bolts on the steering column and haven't had a bit of trouble since. See (blurry) pic below.

Nov 13, 2011 | 11:42 AM

camodown

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From: West Tx

I wouldn't do business with Napa ever again, but then again it seems popular among most people. Heck I would buy from Autozone before I would buy from Napa. If you get a chance, Mean Green makes a heck of a starter. I am running a reman Ford one right now. It has planetary gear reduction and works great. Had a DB electric high torque starter at one point. Biggest pile I've ever had.

Nov 13, 2011 | 12:29 PM

beanhead6D5

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From: SEMO

I have to check these,because I am having a no start prob.I have to pull up on the shift leaver.I have adjusted everything else.Still does it every now and then.

Thanks Brendan

Nov 13, 2011 | 01:07 PM

Supercab

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From: Palm Bay, Florida

+1 on getting a KNOWN ORIGINAL rebuilt by a local home town auto electric shop. AND just remove it and have it done, usually less than 1 day down, and you'll be MUCH better off!

Nov 13, 2011 | 05:17 PM

dwigmore

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I wound up getting a "Quality Built" remanufactured starter. I got a good price through work (about the same cost as having it rebuilt), plus I need the truck for work on Monday. So far it seems good. It does sound different (better). I will be sure to check out the bolts by the steering column too! Thanks!!!