MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I have an MSD starter (BBC) that quit. Pops the fuse, gets hot, solenoid clicks but wont spin or engage.
So does MSD rebuild them?
I was thinking got to be cheaper to rebuild than buy new. I just want a good spare out of it.
Anyone ever sent one back? Or am I just wasting time? These things are $300!

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I just put one of those back in my Mustang. I rebuilt it by replacing the solenoid for around $40. You can get the drive section to, all from Summit. The fit is really bad for a clockable starter on my car. With the solenoid in the best position it shorts against the steering on a hard turn. Burned out a battery.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

It costs you nothing to call MSD Tech Support and ask if they rebuild them (I'll be they do), and what a rebuild generally costs (which they should know). I've had Tiltons rebuilt and they work like a charm. Can't remember buying a NEW starter in years. Cheaper than new, and you know what you've got on the car, and in the trailer.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I don't think there is anything real special about the basic mini starter. Most any rebuild shop should have the parts. One of my buddies bought a spare starter from a local starter and alternator rebuilder.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Tilton has a factory support rebuilding program ? Ours uses the short Tilton starter. One inch shorter than the hi-torque model. The short one hasn't been made since the tsunami a decade ago that eliminated the Hitachi factory in Japan. Tilton used the Hitachi motor in their short model.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Or call GPE Competition Starters in Oklahoma City and see if they can rebuild. Owners are racers so support those people also. Phone number is 405-340-8986.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I read this over. If the starter won't turn - test it out of the car - then the armature of the motor may be burned out. If the windings are melted or fused it may not be rebuild able. Solenoid and pinion gears are user replaceable for a total of around $150.
The "gets hot won't spin or engage" part sounds like the Motocraft that I replaced with the MSD. A short smoked the power wire and left it too hot to touch for around 10 min.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Haven't sent them one in a while, so you may be correct, Jeff. The below text is directly from their current catalog (not that it proves that they still do starters), but I left a message asking someone to return the call, to confirm that they do or do not do starters. Also remember that big block cars typically use the longer (hi-torque) starter.



Service


Tilton offers rebuild services on most of their products. We require that a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number be obtained prior to sending products to Tilton for service. To obtain an RMA number, please contact us: email: repairs@tiltonracing.com phone: 805.688.2353

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Authorized Tilton Super Starter Rebuild Centers

West Coast
DC Energy
Tel: 530-903-0429

East Coast
Phil’s Starter & Alternator (NC)
Tel: 704-435-2934

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Thanks for the legwork

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Phils rebuilt starters and alt. for us at Bodines great work and great to do business with.
Rich

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

Got a hold of MSD. They DO NOT rebuild them. They are “disposable”. You would think that for the money they would offer a rebuild option. Oh well , I guess I will buy a new , different brand. Just sad that it’s not serviceable. I took it to our local armature rebuilder and he said Chinese junk and couldn’t do anything with it.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

That stinks. As you say, $300 is not the amount of money most people would spend on some thing considered "disposable". I've stuck with Tilton because their starters are as close as I've ever gotten to a "install it and forget about it" piece. I carry a rebuilt Tilton as a spare, but have never actually experienced an "at the track" failure. At the beginning of each season, I send in the old one and install the spare.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I don't know how hard your engine is to turn over. For me I use a 6449 style GM mini starter. I keep a spare in the trailer and it's been used at the track on everything from my Chevy truck that I tow with to big block bracket cars and big inch small motors with no problem. I called House of Payne about a starter and he said he'd be glad to sell me a high dollar starter but the 6449 would do the job.

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I sent a Tilton starter to Phils. They called me with a quote, fast turn around I would do business with them again.
Kenney Kelley

Re: MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?
 

I think any decent auto electric rebuilder can freshen or repair a gear reduction starter with no trouble. One thing to watch for is the small drive gear, I have seen these as hollow and you would want to retain a solid gear.