70hemicuda

So my starter took a dump recently and i am in need for a new one. My budget is max 150 so no powermaster or mean green for me. autozone has a remanufactured for around 130 but i am not to crazy about their parts. Id rather have one that last for a long time than replace it every year. I found a Remy on rock auto for 112 and they seem good. I just want a starter that wont **** out on me and will last a decent amount of time. any recomendations? thanks!

cruiser54

Was yours coated in oil?

70hemicuda

covered in it

cruiser54

That's what killed it.

I've heard some rumblings about using the less expensive earlier starters and changing the connectors or something?

I've actually fixed the leak and then disassembled and cleaned the starter with Brakleen and went on my merry way.

Fred/N0AZZ

Avoid online sales for electrical items buy local in case of returns. This online auto parts crap will kill local brick and mortar parts stores and that would be a real shame, use um or lose um.

LAF1269

This^^^X10. Another option is to find a reputable auto electric shop in your area, and have it rebuilt. They are a dying breed, but are still out there if you look, and a lot of times can save you money. The last thing I had rebuilt was a 136 amp ZJ alt. Cost me less than $100.

The old guy at the shop I use has forgotten more than most people know about rebuilding a starter/alternator, and I trust their work. I'd much rather have an OEM unit rebuilt than use a "remanufactured" part from an online source.

70hemicuda

unfortunately i broke down and bought a new Remy starter. I would have loved to get mine rebuilt which is why i am holding on to it. Im at school so i dont know many places around here but there is a nice rebuild shop by my house at home so i probably will get mine rebuilt there.

cruiser54

Fix the oil leak yet?

70hemicuda

Havent had a chance to do anything. Its been freezing and constantly snowing here in Syracuse. It sucks not having a garage to work in and being stuck in my school parking lot.

MonacaYankee

If your xj is a 98-01 did you convert to the pre 98 starter? I did and the older starters are a lot cheaper.

cruiser54

Thanks. Any details?

MonacaYankee

All you do is get a pre 98 starter without the fancy connector for the trip wire. Those years have a stud instead.
Cut the trip wire connector and replace it with a ring terminal.
Saves a lot of money.
Normal prices on advance:
87-98 starter $67
98-01 $142

cruiser54

Good info.