Engine and Transmission Tech

Does anyone using a high torque gear reduction starter motor on a TR8 know if the same motor will fit the Rover SD1?

Unlike the Land Rover starter the SD1 has the solenoid mounted underneath the starter. I'm thinking of getting one from British Starters - I think they're based on a Nippondenso unit and seem to be much lighter than the OEM starter with much more cranking oomph. TSI Imports also sell them I believe.

Are there any downsides to using one of these starters?

I bought one for my TR4A off ebay, from a company in Texas. I would not go there again. Someone referred me to British Starters, and I contacted them. They were familiar with the ebay company, and were going to give me a price break if the ebay company did not fix the problem with my starter. The problem was they used the wrong gear, so it did not mesh properly, but eventually they sent me the correct gear.

I was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism of British Starters, and wish I had gone that route for a few bucks more. It would have saved some headaches. I did not, however, purchase their product, since we got the one from Texas to work.

Downsides?

Yah, your engine will spin so fast that your car will flip over!! :)

M.

I'm of two minds. On the one hand, I should call British Starters and sell them an ad. On the other hand, I don't think they can be all that "professional" since I see they've stolen my copyrighted photos to use on their website.

Sounds more like an opportunity than a dilemma to me.
I for one didn't know that they existed until I heard about them here.
Cheers
Fred

Sounds like they at least owe you an ad....

Rob,

You should get a Newer Rover starter. Thats what I went to on my TR8. Half the wieght, twice the cranking power and less draw on the battery. They sell any where used from 30.00 to 50.00USD. There is a guy on here Neil Gibson, nadg63 who is from where you are. He has a TR7 V8 he rallys. Have you tried Triumph Rover Spares they are next to you.

I had a gear reduction starter that was not a genuine Bosch item fitted to my engine. It selfdestructed in 1/4 mile line up without any warning. Turns out the planet gears were plastic ! It lasted 12,5 months (1 year warranty). I took it to the shop where I had bought it and they gave me Bosch spare parts top replace the broken ones. It appears that genuine Bosch starters are also fitted with plastic gears. The broken started got fixed and worked just fine but one embarrasment is enough. I bought a Nippondenso based unit from States and have been very happy with it. It is supposed to have metal reduction gears and should not break down.

Good point Jukka. I have'nt looked inside these sbc,(Jeg's/etc.), G.R. starters to find plastic gears. My plan was to make billet noses to fit Rovers. How is "Morris the Stalker" running ? Cheers, roverman.

Jukka,
You probably bought a "new" starter being passed off as a Bosch starter.
These are actually Chinese ripoffs that are nowhere near the quality of the original.
I can't say that I've ever seen a Bosch planetary fail.
But I've seen lots of the knock offs fail, almost right away.
Everything from garbage brushes to cases breaking in half.
They are not allowed to be installed in my shops for any reason....period!
My biggest concern is the reputation that these inferior parts are giving to the manufacturers of the quality parts that they are outright copying.
The OEM guys spend a lot of time and money developing a good part only to have some Chinese company ripoff the design, do it badly and trash the OEM's reputation.
It really pisses me off.( sorry, upsets me in a profound and meaningful way)
We as consumers are almost as much at fault.
We will accept an inferior product, that would not be allowed to be made here, as long as it's cheaper.
Your saving money by taking it out of your own pocket!
To end my little rant, let's buy parts that are made ethically, made well and preferably made where you live.
Thanks
Fred

Fred,

the starter was a replacement starter for Rover V8, a no brand item. Bosch starters were not available when I needed a new starter so I bought what there was. Sadly even name brand items fail too so you cannot really rely on "quality" items anymore.

Art, Morris is running really nice, just needs more power :-)

The standard Rover starter weighs about 18 lbs.I just sent one off to someone for free.
Woody's weighs less than 5 kilos.
Don't know what teds weighs . Have his on my 6