MSD Starters.....Rebuild or toss?

[stocker396]

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!

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by stocker396

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!

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.

[nhramnl]

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.

[Mike Pearson]

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.

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Originally Posted by nhramnl

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.

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.

[Michael Compton]

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.

[FireSale]

Originally Posted by stocker396

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!

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.

[nhramnl]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

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.

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

[nhramnl]

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

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Originally Posted by nhramnl

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

Thanks for the legwork