1991 VW Vanagon w/ Automatic Transmission
1999 Phase 1 DOHC EJ25.
Stock Vanagon Starter: (Bosch SR25X)
After my 99 DOHC EJ25 had been running for awhile and was well warmed
up i'd notice that more often than not, the stock starter would
struggle to turn the engine over. Gave the symptoms of a tired
battery and urged me to issue a silent plea in order to get her to
fire up. She always did but not without at least a little worry.
I did research on the following possible replacement options:
65-89 Porsche 911 Bosch SR68X (fits with modifications to mating flange
Gear Reduction Starter
TDI Starter (requires adaptor plate) SR0409X or SR0408X (fits
1998-2003 TDI Beetles. MK-4 Body Style 1999.5-2003 Golf and Jetta)
I ended up going with the TDI starter and adaptor flange. I chose the
SR0409X model starter as it has a bit more power. I found it out on
ebay for about $86 USD including shipping.
I purchased my adaptor flange from Westy Ventures
(). I paid $72 USD including
shipping.
Result:
The installation was a breeze. I did have to build a small pigtail
which allowed me to feed my ignition line and subaru ecu start signal
wires to the starter. I also had to modify my vanagon alternator wire
connector a bit to allow it to fit on the shorter stud on the new
starter. The rest was a simple process of bolting up the flange and
starter and testing.
The sound of the starter is very different than the stock vanagon
starter which takes some getting used to. It turns the engine much
faster and starts her up quicker. There is absolutely no strain with
a warm engine anymore. It turns the engine as fast as, or faster
than, the subaru starter when the engine was still in it's donor car.
I'd recommend this replacement to anyone who is experiencing symptoms
like i did and wants to improve starting performance.
All the best,
Brent
--
Brent Weide
Portland, Oregon
www.weidefamily.net/vanagon/
Brent Weide