T4 transporter starter motors

[lorraine]

My husband has just had to replace the starter motor on our 2002 T4 deisel Transporter. The van has only done 60,000 Ks and is an ex ambulance which we bought secondhand last August.The starter motor he took out wasn't a genuine V.W so it means that the one he just put in would be the 3rd one in 60,000 Ks! He is wondering if the deisel T4s have a problem with starter motors? The van is otherwise great, has everything he wants, it's just that he doesn't like the idea of replacing starter motors every 20,000ks, not an easy job.

[WEDEL.1]

I've never heard of ANY T4 eating starters. May be another Mechanical issue there? My friend Cory has an ex NSW Ambo, Syncro TDi, no problems yet.

The Mechanical people may be offer some advice? Jets?

Maris

[Seano]

Lorraine, I've a 2001 build TDI T4 and it not only has the original starter but also the original battery in it.....and it still starts just fine (he says whilst gripping timber) after 120,000km.

Careful assuming that it is the third starter that you've inserted.....most starter motors are not branded by the car maker....so you may not find VW emblazoned on it. More likely you'll find Valeo or Bosch or some other brand instead.

I'd put it down to a combination of bad luck (odd parts do fail at odd times on these things) and the fact it is an ex ambo......pushed a bit hard by unsympathetic drivers, frequent start & stop (especially if it saw suburban use).

[Bug_racer]

If the brass bush which is in the gearbox is worn then your gonna chew out starter motor bearings !

[jets]

I have been reading the forums for years in the UK & USA & haven't noticed any regular problems. Mine is also an ex ambulance, no problems so far.

[20vkitcar]

try fitting a auto starter motor as this does not rely on the bell housing for support ...have been doing this mod for years....cheers steve

[t4tradie]

What part of the starter is wearing out? Is it the gear or is it other internal parts? If it is the gear it may be caused by a worn ring gear on the flywheel / drive plate. Due to the high torque loads of the starter if there is wear or misalignment of some nature, the starters life will be drastically reduced. It also may pay to check that the starter is getting correct cranking voltage, this may also give symptoms of a faulty starter, and over time could possibly shorten the life of the starter. My van has 190k and still has the original starter and battery to the best of my knowledge.

Hope this helps

Scott

[Tornado T5]

Although not a diesel, my old '97 T4 (2.5L pet/lpg) had the starter replaced right on 11 months and 20 days from being bought brand new, so a warranty job. IIRC and it was 10 years ago, the auto elec mentioned that it wasn't uncommon. He also added, lucky it happened under warranty because it would have cost over $1200.

[lorraine]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Installed an after market starter motor, simply because it was $450 and we were quoted $750 from a V.W. dealer spare parts.It lasted two weeks! Caught out again and my husband is not feeling very kindly towards V.Ws.He dreads the thought of removing and installing the starter motor because of the difficulty. With all the hoses and stuff it is hard to get his hand down to access the top starter mounting bolt. It has to be done from below or by feel.
Do these aftermarket starter motors have the same grunt as the genuine V.W. starters to turn a deisel TDI?
All that happens when the key is turned is a whirring noise and no engaging.
The only other fix he can think of is to burn the bastard!!

[lorraine]

Husband is wondering if it is possible to remove the starter motor pinion bush from the bellhousing while the motor is in situ?