'94 Coupe Starter Replacement vs Rebuild?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
'94 Coupe Starter Replacement vs Rebuild?
It appears that my '94 Coupe now needs a new starter.
I have not taken the old one out yet, but assume it is the original and assume it is an ACDelco.
I seem to remember years ago that these could be rebuilt? If so, has anyone attempted to rebuild one of these? Was it worth rebuilding? Where do you buy the kit? My initial google search came up empty.
I also notice quite a range in prices for buying a new or remanufactured starter. Any recommendations on aftermarket starters as well as new versus remanufactured?
Lastly, looking at the FSM, it appears to be a somewhat straightforward procedure for replacing the starter.....famous last words before throwing a few tools......so, any tips from 'lessons learned' would be appreciated.
thx
kce
I have not taken the old one out yet, but assume it is the original and assume it is an ACDelco.
I seem to remember years ago that these could be rebuilt? If so, has anyone attempted to rebuild one of these? Was it worth rebuilding? Where do you buy the kit? My initial google search came up empty.
I also notice quite a range in prices for buying a new or remanufactured starter. Any recommendations on aftermarket starters as well as new versus remanufactured?
Lastly, looking at the FSM, it appears to be a somewhat straightforward procedure for replacing the starter.....famous last words before throwing a few tools......so, any tips from 'lessons learned' would be appreciated.
thx
kce
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,398
Likes: 2,743
It appears that my '94 Coupe now needs a new starter.
I have not taken the old one out yet, but assume it is the original and assume it is an ACDelco.
I seem to remember years ago that these could be rebuilt? If so, has anyone attempted to rebuild one of these? Was it worth rebuilding? Where do you buy the kit? My initial google search came up empty.
I also notice quite a range in prices for buying a new or remanufactured starter. Any recommendations on aftermarket starters as well as new versus remanufactured?
Lastly, looking at the FSM, it appears to be a somewhat straightforward procedure for replacing the starter.....famous last words before throwing a few tools......so, any tips from 'lessons learned' would be appreciated.
thx
kce
I have not taken the old one out yet, but assume it is the original and assume it is an ACDelco.
I seem to remember years ago that these could be rebuilt? If so, has anyone attempted to rebuild one of these? Was it worth rebuilding? Where do you buy the kit? My initial google search came up empty.
I also notice quite a range in prices for buying a new or remanufactured starter. Any recommendations on aftermarket starters as well as new versus remanufactured?
Lastly, looking at the FSM, it appears to be a somewhat straightforward procedure for replacing the starter.....famous last words before throwing a few tools......so, any tips from 'lessons learned' would be appreciated.
thx
kce
It's generally assumed that this kit is correct for an LT starter but I think it's maybe important to confirm plunger length. I'd think maybe there parts actually in Leesburg and maybe wouldn't even require the order. Could it need more than just the contacts and plunger? Certainly. Brushes and the holder, bearings etc are in a more expensive package but less than $40 as a rule.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 27, 2017 at 10:40 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Back when there were mechanics lots of things were re-built. As technicians appeared the business went to replacement. Over the past decade or so it has become harder to find the parts to service starters and alternators. You never know what you need until its apart. Typically the brushes, bushings, drive or bendix, and solenoid would be replaced. The armature would be inspected and communtator polished. The bell crank would also be checked. I would try to locate the parts first. You could try local rebuilder; sometimes they will sell what you need over the counter. I would bring your starter or a picture of all numbers on it when shopping for parts.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 694
Likes: 27
From: St James New York
If your starter is an original OEM Denso part the best advise is to rebuild your OEM unit. The most common failure point for these OEM starters are the plunger and brass contacts. You'll see that as soon as you take yours apart. These can be replaced easily. Check out these threads;
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o-starter.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...with-pics.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-few-pics.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o-starter.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o-starter.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...with-pics.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-few-pics.html
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...o-starter.html
Last edited by mako41; Mar 27, 2017 at 01:35 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
if you're looking to rebuild, I did a quick search for a 94 corvette (non-ZR-1) starter, and came up with this -
1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 8 5.7 STARTER All, exc ZR1 1.4 128000-811 NIPPONDENSO 17579
by no means an expert, but it looks like a denso starter, and the rebuild kit is called out as follows -
https://www.aspwholesale.com/repair-...sgr-p6401.html
individual parts are available.
https://www.aspwholesale.com/starter-parts/denso.html
search by make, model, year.
I've done business with these folks rebuilding alternators - no issues - reasonable prices and decent quality hardware.
1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 8 5.7 STARTER All, exc ZR1 1.4 128000-811 NIPPONDENSO 17579
by no means an expert, but it looks like a denso starter, and the rebuild kit is called out as follows -
https://www.aspwholesale.com/repair-...sgr-p6401.html
individual parts are available.
https://www.aspwholesale.com/starter-parts/denso.html
search by make, model, year.
I've done business with these folks rebuilding alternators - no issues - reasonable prices and decent quality hardware.
Last edited by Joe C; Mar 27, 2017 at 03:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 188
Likes: 40
From: Rockaway NJ
Starter rebuild
Rebuild is an easy job. I bought a denso kit from this company. There's a good video on thier site.
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 61
From: New Jersey
Rebuild is an easy job. I bought a denso kit from this company. There's a good video on thier site.
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Well, thx for all the responses......I plan to remove the starter this weekend to confirm it is the original before buying the rebuild kit......nobody bothered to comment on any problems removing the starter (i.e. getting to the bolts, removing a lot of stuff, etc.), so I assume it is somewhat straightforward....
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
Well, thx for all the responses......I plan to remove the starter this weekend to confirm it is the original before buying the rebuild kit......nobody bothered to comment on any problems removing the starter (i.e. getting to the bolts, removing a lot of stuff, etc.), so I assume it is somewhat straightforward....
good luck with the repair. if you do rebuild yours, report back with results, issues, problems, etc..
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 188
Likes: 40
From: Rockaway NJ
Well, thx for all the responses......I plan to remove the starter this weekend to confirm it is the original before buying the rebuild kit......nobody bothered to comment on any problems removing the starter (i.e. getting to the bolts, removing a lot of stuff, etc.), so I assume it is somewhat straightforward....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,485
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
What else does this car come with? In my car, if I had to do the starter again, NFW would I do it myself. I'd hire it out. It was a Royal PITA to remove but to install, I had to have it towed to a shop because I didn't have a lift and couldn't get the leverage to install on my back with the car on jackstands. I also have headers that get in the way.
Do you think you would want a high torquing mini starter? That is an option. If not, I'd have someone rebuild it. I don't trust the "budget" rebuilds that you get from Autozone or Advance Auto or any others like that. Those are cheap junk rebuilds, IMO. Too much effort unless you plan to dump the car in a year or less.
Do you think you would want a high torquing mini starter? That is an option. If not, I'd have someone rebuild it. I don't trust the "budget" rebuilds that you get from Autozone or Advance Auto or any others like that. Those are cheap junk rebuilds, IMO. Too much effort unless you plan to dump the car in a year or less.
Flatulent Dwarf
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 84
From: Poverty Holler NC
I had the starter on my 96 take a dump last year, from about 93 on all that I have seen were Nippon-Denso high torque models ( there may be others from earlier but I've not had my hands on them )
The repair is easy and the starter removal is pretty straight forward, you'll need to jack up the starboard side at the least, and preferably the entire front end. About like most folks do for a backyard oil change.
The starter disassembly is simple, the repair even easier. I bought this kit from Nations Starter and Alternator. The link will take you directly to the page.
https://www.nationsstarteralternator...uild%20kit.htm
later, tiny
The repair is easy and the starter removal is pretty straight forward, you'll need to jack up the starboard side at the least, and preferably the entire front end. About like most folks do for a backyard oil change.
The starter disassembly is simple, the repair even easier. I bought this kit from Nations Starter and Alternator. The link will take you directly to the page.
https://www.nationsstarteralternator...uild%20kit.htm
later, tiny
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
hmmm...thx....I will look for that post....I am always looking for tips when working on engines....if anyone finds this from a week ago, please pass it along.....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,398
Likes: 2,743
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...94-lt1-a4.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Well, getting the starter out was rather straightforward and simple....(i.e. did not throw any tools or yell at the dog).....input from the Forum helped....thx.
So, I have the starter on my work bench with the end cap removed, plunger out, side bolts loose, waiting for the rebuild kit to arrive......hopefully the rebuild kit comes in the mail today.....
However, I did notice a small round black rubber/plastic piece (about 3/8" dia x 1" lg) coming out of the main unit and extends over top of the end cap that I just removed. It appears to be some type of vent? Anyway, it looks fragile, worn, and has a small crack. It has not broken off and I assume still functions but should I replace it?
1. What is it?
2. How do find the replacement part? It will not be in the rebuild kit.
Any thoughts?
Thx again.
So, I have the starter on my work bench with the end cap removed, plunger out, side bolts loose, waiting for the rebuild kit to arrive......hopefully the rebuild kit comes in the mail today.....
However, I did notice a small round black rubber/plastic piece (about 3/8" dia x 1" lg) coming out of the main unit and extends over top of the end cap that I just removed. It appears to be some type of vent? Anyway, it looks fragile, worn, and has a small crack. It has not broken off and I assume still functions but should I replace it?
1. What is it?
2. How do find the replacement part? It will not be in the rebuild kit.
Any thoughts?
Thx again.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,398
Likes: 2,743
Well, getting the starter out was rather straightforward and simple....(i.e. did not throw any tools or yell at the dog).....input from the Forum helped....thx.
So, I have the starter on my work bench with the end cap removed, plunger out, side bolts loose, waiting for the rebuild kit to arrive......hopefully the rebuild kit comes in the mail today.....
However, I did notice a small round black rubber/plastic piece (about 3/8" dia x 1" lg) coming out of the main unit and extends over top of the end cap that I just removed. It appears to be some type of vent? Anyway, it looks fragile, worn, and has a small crack. It has not broken off and I assume still functions but should I replace it?
1. What is it?
2. How do find the replacement part? It will not be in the rebuild kit.
Any thoughts?
Thx again.
So, I have the starter on my work bench with the end cap removed, plunger out, side bolts loose, waiting for the rebuild kit to arrive......hopefully the rebuild kit comes in the mail today.....
However, I did notice a small round black rubber/plastic piece (about 3/8" dia x 1" lg) coming out of the main unit and extends over top of the end cap that I just removed. It appears to be some type of vent? Anyway, it looks fragile, worn, and has a small crack. It has not broken off and I assume still functions but should I replace it?
1. What is it?
2. How do find the replacement part? It will not be in the rebuild kit.
Any thoughts?
Thx again.
https://www.aspwholesale.com/vehiclepartssearch.html
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 31, 2017 at 10:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
If this link doesn't stick use the drop-down to the left and choose your starter. There's a component list that will open and you can click on individual part# for an image. There's boot, vent and a grommet I believe for you to look at. Link didn't "stick" so use the drop-down to the left then just click on your starter. Local is possible.
https://www.aspwholesale.com/vehiclepartssearch.html
https://www.aspwholesale.com/vehiclepartssearch.html
.....However, their website requires a minimum order of $10.00....no big deal.It also looks like it pops right in without taking the end cap off.....I need to look closer....
How do you find all this stuff?
Do you really think this can be found local? Where?
My other parts just came in and I am ready to put back together.... it would be great to find this local.
Still have ZR-1?
Last edited by K.C.E.; Mar 31, 2017 at 02:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 5
From: Winchester VA
Well, success!
The rebuild kit came in around 1300 hrs and it was surprisingly simple to remove the old parts, wipe out with cleaner, and install new parts. After further inspection of the 'drain plug' and a conversation with a local mechanic, I decided that the starter 'drain plug' was good enough to leave alone. I did take a piece of electricians tape and wrapped it around the cracked area to provide support. The starter went back up into the engine without a hitch, put the cover shield back on the knock sensor, started it right up and I drove it around in the rain. I then cleaned up the garage, put all my tools away, ground some wheat in my new wheat grinder (in the garage), put the ingredients in my bread machine, and was completely done with everything by 1700 hrs. Bread was done a few hours later......
Appreciate all the replies, comments, and links to some pretty cool websites for parts.
kce
The rebuild kit came in around 1300 hrs and it was surprisingly simple to remove the old parts, wipe out with cleaner, and install new parts. After further inspection of the 'drain plug' and a conversation with a local mechanic, I decided that the starter 'drain plug' was good enough to leave alone. I did take a piece of electricians tape and wrapped it around the cracked area to provide support. The starter went back up into the engine without a hitch, put the cover shield back on the knock sensor, started it right up and I drove it around in the rain. I then cleaned up the garage, put all my tools away, ground some wheat in my new wheat grinder (in the garage), put the ingredients in my bread machine, and was completely done with everything by 1700 hrs. Bread was done a few hours later......
Appreciate all the replies, comments, and links to some pretty cool websites for parts.
kce
Last edited by K.C.E.; Apr 1, 2017 at 06:54 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
Well, success!
The rebuild kit came in around 1300 hrs and it was surprisingly simple to remove the old parts, wipe out with cleaner, and install new parts. After further inspection of the 'drain plug' and a conversation with a local mechanic, I decided that the starter 'drain plug' was good enough to leave alone. I did take a piece of electricians tape and wrapped it around the cracked area to provide support. The starter went back up into the engine without a hitch, put the cover shield back on the knock sensor, started it right up and I drove it around in the rain. I then cleaned up the garage, put all my tools away, ground some wheat in my new wheat grinder (in the garage), put the ingredients in my bread machine, and was completely done with everything by 1700 hrs. Bread was done a few hours later......
Appreciate all the replies, comments, and links to some pretty cool websites for parts.
kce
The rebuild kit came in around 1300 hrs and it was surprisingly simple to remove the old parts, wipe out with cleaner, and install new parts. After further inspection of the 'drain plug' and a conversation with a local mechanic, I decided that the starter 'drain plug' was good enough to leave alone. I did take a piece of electricians tape and wrapped it around the cracked area to provide support. The starter went back up into the engine without a hitch, put the cover shield back on the knock sensor, started it right up and I drove it around in the rain. I then cleaned up the garage, put all my tools away, ground some wheat in my new wheat grinder (in the garage), put the ingredients in my bread machine, and was completely done with everything by 1700 hrs. Bread was done a few hours later......
Appreciate all the replies, comments, and links to some pretty cool websites for parts.
kce
- 