“Remanufactured” wbx starter motor, reliable?

[AIR_CHILLED]

I have just received my remanufactured wbx manual starter motor see webshop:


https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/e ... anual.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Has anyone had any good or bad experience with these, reliable? As you can see the physical size is massively different although the picture in the advert shows an original style unit.

Many thanks,
Mike.

[maxstu]

Personally l would have rebuilt the original starter motor.
Ive had a new B/Werks auto version on my camper for about a year and no problems whatsoever. I should have rebuilt the failed one too. But was ignorant then.
Be grateful the price is what it is. An auto version costs twice as much! Why? Ive no idea. Perhaps someone will enlighten me.
Regards
Stuart

[AIR_CHILLED]

Hi Stuart
Thanks for you input, yes I’m definitely going to rebuild the original which means losing the surcharge but I need the van moved so time is a factor.
I saw the auto version price and ouch that must of hurt!
As you can see I was disappointed to open the box and find the same generic looking starter that can be found on eBay and the like at a lower cost. I do not know however if they are at all the same or made to the same standards but in comparison to the Hella unit it looks less robust.

[bigherb]

Looks like one of the Chinese new starters. I have fitted some, worked OK, and they where ex warranty return units from Heritage with nothing wrong with them.

[AIR_CHILLED]

Cheers for reply Bigherb. I’ve decided to fit it and clean up my old spare. My non-starting issue was just a loose and corroded connection on the ignition switched wire so nothing detrimental there.
(New bushing currently being soaking in oil for 24 hours)

[maxstu]

You mean you missed this bargain? .
As you know Brickwerks are generally above average price for a very good reason. They have filtered out the crap gear for our benefit...and their benefit too, l suppose.
Least you get a free bush with it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-STARTER- ... %3D2334524" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AIR_CHILLED]

Maxstu, yes I agree Brickwerks is generally a one stop shop for me and their customer service is one of the best.
I fitted the Starter at the weekend and this is what I experienced.
Positives:
+ The starter motor is physically smaller and lighter therefore easier to manoeuvre into place.
+ Comes with a free bush thus saving 60 pence.
+ It works and fires the van up faster than the old unit (ignition switch wire issue aside)
Negatives:
- The M8 stud for the Live feed for the battery and alternator positive lead is too short by 5mm in comparison to the original unit which means the cables, washers and nuts do not fit.
To get around this issue you need to either cut of the long connector from your alternator and crimp a ring crimp on the end (which I was not prepared to do) or do what I did which is to remove the locking nut and washers that secures the stud in place and fit an E-Clip of some description. I then used the supplied narrow M8 nut together with a Nordlock washer to secure.

Tip - Remove the old bush from the bell housing with an M12 Tap followed by threading in an M12 bolt and levering out with a flat blade screwdriver. Soak the new bush in engine oil for 24 hours then press in with your thumb.
I hope this feedback helps the next person
Cheers,
Mike.

[Aidan]

half nuts

[AIR_CHILLED]

Thanks Aidan.
Pictures below:





With the last picture you can see how short the stud is with a half nut.

[Sir Brixalot]

Any one know the going rate for a strter motor rebuild. Was goint to do my own but couldnt even get the first bolt off

[MarkBos]

I had my starter rebuilt here 4+ years ago and Its still going strong

https://www.bexleystarters.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cant remember exactly what i paid, but i think it was <£100

[maxstu]

Any one know the going rate for a strter motor rebuild. Was goint to do my own but couldnt even get the first bolt off

Have you a spare auto starter? What is wrong with it?
I have two working spares. Am willing to sell one in part exchange to you, Dom

[Sir Brixalot]

Nice of you. I found one Ebay a couple of years ago for a bargain £30 after the spade snapped off the old one. Its the old one I want to get rebuilt just in case

[maxstu]

Do you mean the trigger spade connector on solenoid? Just buy a new solenoid.

[ash1293]

Any one know the going rate for a strter motor rebuild. Was goint to do my own but couldnt even get the first bolt off

I was quite lucky, recently picked up a NOS reconditioned original starter for £40 delivered. (manual not auto)