Does anyone know where I can get a gear reduction starter for an '87 300SDL?

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1987 300SDL 167k
1992 Volvo 740 140k
1990 Volvo 740 250k
1989 Volvo 240 269k

Anyone want to trade an old Volvo for an '87 300sdl?

Ive heard they sell them here > http://www.mean-green.com/products/starter.html

But, that may only be for the 617, not the 603? Someone?

Their catalog only shows one for 74 - 84 and they don't like to answer emails so I can't figure out if they'll custom make one for me.

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1987 300SDL 167k
1992 Volvo 740 140k
1990 Volvo 740 250k
1989 Volvo 240 269k

Anyone want to trade an old Volvo for an '87 300sdl?

Yeah, from what I hear they are terribly hard to get ahold of and dont really run a very good business ahwell.

So are these actually a good item? My starter probably has a couple years left (it still does ok in the cold) but when the time comes I'd consider one like that company sells if it would be an improvement. I take it all the advantage is in more consistent cranking/speed? and the lack of huge current draw on the battery? Explain please.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
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'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I'm no expert on the subject but as I understand it there is a gearbox on the starter that makes it easier for the starter to crank because of the gearing. It seems to me that this would cause the engine to turn over slower but the people that own them claim it cranks faster. I'm not sure how that would work. It's like when you're riding your bike and you shift into an easier gear, you have to pedal faster just to maintain speed. Maybe they are hearing the starter crank faster and they just assume that the engine is cranking faster? What sold me on it is that I live in a cold climate and people are saying that with a gear reduction starter they can start their diesel in very cold temp's without plugging in. I'd pay the extra money for that.

__________________
1987 300SDL 167k
1992 Volvo 740 140k
1990 Volvo 740 250k
1989 Volvo 240 269k

Anyone want to trade an old Volvo for an '87 300sdl?

I have to laugh at all the comments from those that never had the experince of a geared starter!

I have a White 2.45 tractor made in Japan that had two batteries in parralell. It always turned real slow in cold weather. I had to rebuild it several times. The brushes were $12 each from the dealer. My local alternater shop talked me into buying a gear reduction starter that cost me less than what the solenoid on the original starter cost. I could not believe how fast it cranks now. So I do not believe that the manufacters back in the old days always did the best choices on what to use.

Tom