Replacement Starter

[00sportsman]

Finally got the starter out (only took a couple of minutes to get that third bolt out once I had established a plan of attack) and the thing is definitely bad. Any suggestions on where to get a replacement? The prices I'm seeing from the Fiat suppliers on line seem kinda high, but I don't know enough about some of the other available pieces to figure out what my best option is (the budget's kind of tight right now).

[htchevyii]

Rock auto lists one for $47.79 & one for $62.79. Kragen also lists a few: http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductList ... or=Starter
or if you want a bad ass one buy one of Mark's gear reduction units. http://www.fiatspiderparts.com/products.htm

[So Cal Mark]

if you're not going to buy one of the new gear reduction units, I'd seek out a local rebuilder and have your starter overhauled. The rebuilt units from chain stores go through a production line and they merely fix the immediate problem and paint the unit.

[mdrburchette]

I second Mark's suggestion on having it rebuilt locally.

[00sportsman]

Thanks for the advice. I took it to my local guy (known for a long time and has done very good work), he took one look and told me to throw it away. He has ordered me a replacement from a company he does a lot of business with and trusts. He was not at all impressed with the stock unit.

Hopefully the new one will be in soon, and I'll get to motoring!

[00sportsman]

Thanks for all the advice. The quick update is: my local guy got me a starter from someone he deals with regularly and trusts. It is a compact, hi torque starter and bolted in very easily. Works like a dream. I was complaining to my father last night that I'm going to have to pull the coil wire to see how well it cranks, because as soon as I hit the key the thing's running. Bummer, huh?

[mdrburchette]

I was complaining to my father last night that I'm going to have to pull the coil wire to see how well it cranks, because as soon as I hit the key the thing's running. Bummer, huh?

Good gracious, how can you live with that? I'd be considering changing it back to a worn our Marelli to keep the car authentic.