starter motor for a Land Rover Lightweight?

[telwyn]

I think my start motor has finally died on my 1982 Land Rover Lightweight Series III. Looks like I can get new or rebuilt one from British Pacific or Rovers North, but in my quest to gradually (hopefully very gradually) upgrade every component over time, I thought I'd see if anyone has a recommendation.

Do I simply go with one of those or is there a better aftermarket starter motor I should buy?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions...

 

[Andrew Walcker]

No help here but I'd call George at Rovers Down South. :beer:

 

[FourByLand]

You could also check with Bill down at www.TNTLR.com He may have something for ya.

They are East Coast.

 

[cjmitchell5]

A company called Mean Green sells a gear reduction starter. I've heard their customer service is terrible though, but if you buy it from someone else you won't have to deal with them directly. I don't think the starter is anything special, nor do I really see a need for a gear reduction starter on a 7-1 engine.

Get a hand crank! You'll get all kinds of crazy looks in the parking lot starting up.

 

[telwyn]

Thanks, folks. Appreciate the suggestions. I'm going to look into Mean Green (via distributors) and will report back. This isn't my daily driver and I move a little slow on the Rover while trying to maintain my family relations, but I'll report back soon.

 

[I Leak Oil]

I switched to a gear reduction unit a few years ago....what a difference! Cranks faster, starts faster, supposedly uses less battery amps, and starts much easier when it's cold out. My old original unit wouldn't budge the engine a few years ago when I had it out in -25F weather, this last year it was only -10F but the starter made it seem like it wasn't even breaking a sweat. Plus they are ligher and...here's the best part...smaller so you can change it without having to loosen the exhaust down pipe! Ditch the Lucas..
Jason T.

 

[EricWS]

British Pacific sells a Nippon Denso reduction gear starter for the Land Rover as well.

EwS

 

[seriessearcher]

eBay

I just bought one of these. The feedback looks great as I have not received it yet for my 1960 Series II. I agree with upgrading while you are in there. It seems cheaper than the mean green so I thought I would give it a shot.

If you have not ordered yet mine should be here shortly and I can report back if you like??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=250250592626&rd=1

They seem to have a few if you call them.

 

[Crazyfish]

I'd like to hear what you think, it's getting time for a replacement for mine....

 

[telwyn]

As would I... Look forward to hearing a report from you.

Before seeing your post about the Ebay starter I did try to buy a Mean Green starter, but after being unable to find a distributor for the Land Rover model I tempted fate to buy it directly from their website despite caution above about his customer service. When I got halfway through the ordering process and got an invalid security certificate as I was about to enter my credit card, I decided to bail.

I then called British Pacific as also recommended above and the gentleman I spoke with kindly advised AGAINST a high torque starter including the one they sell. He said they perform very poorly if they get wet in water crossings, etc and recommended that I simply get mine rebuilt locally. He suggested you only use high torque if you won't do water crossings. While I'm impressed by his opinion given he talked me out of a purchase, I wonder if anyone agrees/disagrees with his advice regarding high torgue and water issues?

 

[I Leak Oil]

Not sure about the BP starter but in general I wouldn't think it's any more sensitive to being submerged than any other electric starter. Mine's been under water without issue to date.
Jason T.

 

[Yorker]

just rebuilt your current starter- there really isn't anything wrong with the original design.

 

[seriessearcher]

1/2 way there

So I go to install the starter today and I needed to grind off a heater plug in for one of the freeze plugs. It was an older type way back on the engine which was not used. I could not remove it as it was frozen in place. I only ground down the plug. The starter motor is a little different from the stock starter. I also need to put together a solenoid bypass wire. This is due to the starter having one attached.

Once I get that done I should be all set. This took longer than expected. I should be able to post tomorrow how it starts. It got too late tonight.

If you asked me today I would say go with stock, but we will see once it starts up.

 

[telwyn]

Thanks for the update! Can't wait to hear more... I removed my stock starter this weekend and am waiting to decide what to buy or whether to rebuild. Removing it was more challenging than I thought it would be - nothing overly difficult, just very tight quarters getting to the starter despite all the space in the engine compartment.

 

[seriessearcher]

She's alive!!

Ok,

So I am impressed with the starter motor as far as it turns that 2.25 over like a 350 big block. There is no denying that it turns it a lot faster.

It is smaller so easier to get in as long as you do not have the block heater plug in the block under the manifold. I could use a racket to tighten up instead of the box wrench due to the cramped space, having large hands this was a BONUS.

I am not thrilled about the starter solenoid bypass wire you need to run as this is a 4x4 but it would be an easy fix if this were to fail or come off of the clipped end. There is one end that screws on.

So I can not give durability claims, but it does live up to the fact it will turn it over a lot faster which in the winter may be a good thing.

If in the future I run into any issues I will post up. I see the website for them is offering free shipping on some models so worth a second look.

britishstarters.com