New Aftermarket Engine Starter

smkettner wrote:
For $200 shipped give it a go. If the starting really improves I would not carry the old one as a spare. Just order a second.

$190 total actually. Still want to get the original apart to see what gives and hopefully have it good to go if an when needed.

For $200 shipped give it a go. If the starting really improves I would not carry the old one as a spare. Just order a second.

siggyd777 wrote:
Who made the original starter ? CAT does not make starters.
Siggy

My thoughts exactly, but it does say Cat 207-1537 right on it. After market starters also refer to this Cat number for replacement, among hundreds of other makes. Once I get it out of there, I might find other evidence and am anxious for getting it apart.
Also my consignment dealer has agreed to work on the on going engine leak and since the starter is coated with oil, they may agree to replace it with what I bring along and since I and others can see no way to tell where the oil is coming from, without first removing the starter.
Having said that and not knowing what might be found above it, where would oil be coming from if say, the engine was overfilled? I say this because of the way Spartan manufactured the dip stick and tube, which leaves some question as to where the full mark might be. As the oil goes down some, the leak seems to better itself, so just wondering and in my estimation, I'd say that a notch below the add mark is actually the full mark. Next oil and filter change will tell the story for sure.

Who made the original starter ? CAT does not make starters.
Siggy

As many will say, aftermarket ANYTHING is not a generic thing. In the automotive industry, some aftermarket parts are far better than the OEM parts they replace. You will usually pay for that. (not always) Some are just cleaned up, repainted used parts that, to the untrained eye, look like new with an inviting price and a "lifetime" guarantee, what ever that means. (not usually YOUR lifetime) There's every combination in between.

It's unfortunate, but, this is the world we live in today. BUYER BEWARE!

Chum lee

As you probably already know, if you can hear the solenoid clicking in, its either brushes, a flat spot on the armature, or a bad connection at the solenoid, or inside the starter. If you have a starter/alternator shop near you, they can more than likely fix the problem.

Good luck

Got to go along with D G, he said CAT starter, signature says Tropi-cal is retired.

As for OEM vs AM, so hard to say, it depends on the AM. The difference in the two, if the AM is Top Quality is nil. I'd go OEM.

ArchHoagland wrote:
I have sworn off aftermarket parts, too many failures.

The parts were replaced but I still had to change them out again, some twice.

I hear you, but one must wonder why I'm having this with the original OEM starter at 37K miles and one which started at about 35K. Could have been since when I bought it 3 + mons ago, as well, with 33,400, but have no way of knowing that for sure with these intermittent ills and without knowing when.
Main thing now, is to have a spare on board after a looksee and possible repair and whether I have to somewhere change it out myself or call for a mobile mechanic. I never shut down anymore if I can help it, either, until I get where I'm going for the night.

OLYLEN wrote:
Check your ground straps. Also would be nice to know what RV your talking about.

LEN

If you'll notice, a complete description of my coach including it's picture appears in my signature and always does with any forums I frequent.
Thanks for your input however and have checked for this, as best I know how.

I have sworn off aftermarket parts, too many failures.

The parts were replaced but I still had to change them out again, some twice.