My starter motor's solenoid managed to crack its casing, so after a few attempts tracking down the non-starting issue, my new starter is coming this weekend. I've not done one before - heck, I didn't even know where it was before this afternoon!
One question that I can't find a ready answer to...... should I be lubricating the new starter motor before it slides into the new bushing? If so, with what?
Any other tips or advice that'll help me not mess this up?
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If you bought the one that has the shaft supported by the bearing in the trans housing - just use some white lubriplate grease there. Many buy the starter that doesn't need that support (used in AT model and the 914)—pretty much same price and supposedly a bit more power. Check the brass/bronze bushing as it can be replaced if it is scared/burnt/worn. You-tube it - part is only $6.
There are two ways to avoid trouble with the OE style starter and its necessary bushing.
You can buy a Wasp or IMI gear-reduction starter. They are self-supporting and require no bushing of any kind. Great for high compression and/or large engines.
Or you can get a starter for a VW Auto-stick car. Same as above, self-supporting. These are great for stock or near-stock motors.
Or, you can tap in a stock bushing(there are 4 different ones, depending on transmission/flywheel/starter combo). But yeah, I'd lightly grease that.
Just to be clear, a light coat of grease on the end of the starter shaft which goes into the bushing in the engine case, and a light coating on the shaft between the gear and the stop in the shaft and that's it. No grease on the gear at all (it would get thrown off and potentially find it's way to the clutch).
Much appreciated, gents. Thank you.
