Date:         Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:43:41 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Subject:      Re: GoWesty's Gear Reduction Starter

On Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:01:21 -0800, Steve Williams <sbw@SBW.ORG> wrote:

>GoWesty announced a new gear reduction starter:

>
>I looked at the adapter offered by Westy Ventures:
>
>http://www.westyventures.com/parts.html
>
>I never took the plunge, because I was intimidated by the task of
>finding the right starter to use with the adapter and getting it installed.
>
>I'd be curious to hear what Karl Mullendore has to say about
>GoWesty's new starter.
>

Just another IMI or IMI-copy. I wouldn't expect a long life out if these,
nor enough rpm to spin a motor that needs good cranking rpm. My adaptor
plate design and TDI starter project actually came about in reaction to a
customer's three failures of the IMI starters on a diesel Syncro. The TDI
starter is not only far more reliable, my higher output in both torque and
speed. The torque varies between 1.8 and 2.0 kw depending on the model.

As to any all all 'bad press' I've read in this thread: 1) BenT - get off
your duff and either send this adaptor back for examination, or track down a
real TDI starter (unless you have verified the one you have is in fact a TDI
starter, by the Bosch number stamped on it) 2) Al: there is only a tiny
relief that needs to be filed to clear the original VW upper starter
bolt-head, which should be a round socket-head bolt. There is not sufficient
room to allow for a full size nut on a stud, which is likely what you
attempted - resulting in lots of grinding. On the automatic version adaptor,
I have been able to recess the hole so that either the original upper bolt
or a stud w/nut can be used. Also, perhaps the starters you received were
not well rebuilt, or some of the crap aftermarket copies that I've seen
disintegrate quickly.

I am almost always here to answer questions, email is best. So...if there
are any other problem or questions regarding this or any other products I
sell, I'd sure like to be the first to know.

Karl
www.westyventures.com
email: karl@westyventures.com