OReilly's Remanufactured Starters? Any Experience? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Walkenvol · #16 05-29-2012, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Instead of buying from thse chepo auto parts stores, why not find a Alternator/Generator Starter rebuilder in your local area?
Charlie

I'd side with Charlie. I've had great experiences with a local rebuilder through the years although he's gone to part time and I don't know who to replace him with when he retires.

I bought a lifetime Autozone for the 351 ford motor in my boat 12 years ago. I've replaced it 7 times. Boat's an inboard so its a 5 minute job to swap out. I wouldn't use one if its labor intensive to change starters myself.

barry123400 · #17 05-29-2012, 05:54 PM

Had a chance to buy several bosh type aftermarket regulator/brush units for 3.00 apiece. Volkswagon applicaions. Each lasted a very short time in service and it was not the different alternators fault they only did.

When replaced with decent quality the same alternator units stayed in service. They all worked well initially out of the box. Some rebuilders must use them as they existed in the market.

Diesel911 · #18 05-29-2012, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

The fact that a starter "runs" does not mean that all is well. I just dealt with a chain store rebuilt starter a couple of weeks ago. (Not my vehicle.) The drive gear did not extend properly and chewed up the flywheel ring gear. The chain parts store was happy to replace the starter, but they deny any liability for "consequential damage." The real kicker is that a new starter for that vehicle (a Ford) worked as it should and cost only $12 more than the South of the Border "overhauled" unit. It also had a lifetime warranty, as opposed to one year on the rebiuld.

I was not saying it did mean all is well. But, if it does not at least spin there is no point walking out the door with it.

My Alternator had a rebuilt Sticker From Bosch North America on it. The bearing the failed was made in China. So Bosch is cutting corners also.
Best just to DIY it.

Hit Man X · #19 05-30-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman

Anytime I do cave & buy chain store garbage, I have it bench tested before leaving the store. This goes for anything electric. Most mechanical things can't be tested.

This above!

Why people fail to have their reman parts tested prior to install is beyond me.

I was in a pinch when the starter in my SD died. Replaced in 4-5 years back with one from Autozone and it is fine still.

My F150 has an Oreilly starter, I have had two in about 12 years of ownership. The alternator on it is a 130A 3G (conversion from the comical 65A) is an Autozone reman I found in the junkyard.

McParts stores in my area have different levels of reman quality from what appears to be nothing more than a cleaning and new voltage regulator to pretty much an entire new unit.

strelnik · #20 05-30-2012, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmblood58

New Bosch starters are so expensive!

I am now going to local rebuilders.

I have found Napa rebuilds are also good.

warmblood58 · #21 05-30-2012, 12:18 PM

So, I have a back up starter, what do rebuilders charge typically? I might just go the Bosch reman way after all . . . thanks, all good input!

alabbasi · #22 05-31-2012, 12:54 AM

I've bought them in the past for my 560SEC and my 280CE. No issues and come with a lifetime warranty. I bought the one for the 560SEC after I bought a bosch reman one which failed and it was after hours.

MB300Dave · #23 09-30-2014, 08:26 PM

So I watched a Vid from Kent, he says these starters are a real pain to get out, is that so. Mine's doing the bad bendix whine!

Says you need a 1/2 allen socket for the top bolt & a whammy extension?

Thanks,
Dave

Skippy · #24 09-30-2014, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB300Dave

So I watched a Vid from Kent, he says these starters are a real pain to get out, is that so. Mine's doing the bad bendix whine!

Says you need a 1/2 allen socket for the top bolt & a whammy extension?

Thanks,
Dave

What car?

123 240D and 300D aren't that tough. I think there's a 10mm allen involved.

I must have gotten lucky. I bought an Autozone starter for my 240D in 2010, kept it when I cannibalized that car for the transmission, and then put the starter in my 300D about a year and a half ago. So far, so good.

MB300Dave · #25 10-01-2014, 08:23 AM

Sorry, just brought home an 83 SD. Is it any easier than my old D?

Thanks,
Dave

OM617YOTA · #26 10-01-2014, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

The above is a good point. Replacing a dead Starter is enough work that it is best to have them Test your rebuilt one before you leave the auparts place.

I was looking at a place that sold Starter Parts and they were selling brand X Starter Solenoids for as low as $12. You can guess that the cheap ones go on rebuilt starters.

The last two starters I replaced both tested as good. I hate to think people are taking their starters in, having them test good, and assuming that's good enough and looking elsewhere for their vehicle's problem when it really is the starter that's bad after all.

vstech · #27 10-01-2014, 12:44 PM

username stretch has done a DIY on rebuilding these starters.

An OM617 starter motor is for LIFE not just for Christmas!

mannys9130 · #28 10-01-2014, 03:41 PM

In the course of my work, I come across SO MANY dead on arrival alternators sourced from auto parts chain stores that I do not suggest getting a rebuilt unit from them. Just 3 weeks ago I installed an alternator on a Jeep and I got a call later that night that the customer was stranded and the engine wouldn't stay running. The replacement alternator was charging great when it rolled out of my bay, and by the end of the day the brand new battery was sucked down to 9 volts with NO charging from the alternator at all. They did warranty the unit, but the FRUSTRATION is real and the hassle costs money.

Have your OE unit rebuilt by a small brick & mortar shop. Stretch has demonstrated in the past that these starters are very robust internally and can be rebuilt well pretty easily.

MB300Dave · #29 10-01-2014, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

What car?

123 240D and 300D aren't that tough. I think there's a 10mm allen involved.

I must have gotten lucky. I bought an Autozone starter for my 240D in 2010, kept it when I cannibalized that car for the transmission, and then put the starter in my 300D about a year and a half ago. So far, so good.

Is an SD's starter any easier to remove?

Went to NAPA & ordered a 1/2 in drive 10mm allen socket & 5 in wobble extension. I was also givin a name of a local guy that will rebuild my original Bosch starter. I called him up, told him my symptoms & he said bendix, just like I thought. As soon as I get a few guys to help me push it in the garage, I'm on it!

Thanks,
Dave

SD Blue · #30 10-02-2014, 10:01 PM

From what I've been told, by the aftermarket stores, they contract several different rebuilders. With this in mind, it really is a crap shoot. You may get one that lasts many years or one that doesn't make it out the door before failing. These rebuilders only replace what is obvious and ship it. In all fairness to them, aftermarket stores probably only pay $5 a rebuild.

Unless you like doing starter replacements or just like to gamble with the chance of doing a replacement in a parking lot while raining or 105 degrees, I would find a rebuilder near you and pay a little extra. I've experienced both.