850 1994 Starter Problem. Need help

jonofmac · Post by **jonofmac** » 19 Oct 2009, 19:10

hey guys. I've had a little frustrating day.

My 1994 Volvo 850 has been having a problem with the starter in which the gear would sometimes not engage fully with the flywheel. So, instead of replacing it with a new one, I opted to just take it apart and look at it.

Well... It apparently is the original starter (I bought the car used), opened it up, full of dirt, crap, and more crap. So I spent 3 hours cleaning the hell out of this thing. Beautiful! Like brand new. I go to put it back together and the freaken shift arm decided to break.

Basically, I have all parts cleaned, lubed, and the ONLY broken part is the damn shifter arm. Does anyone know where I could purchase the little plastic shifter arm instead of purchasing a new starter altogether.

I'm so irritated by this... all that work, all that time, all my cut up hands... and when i'm 95% done, the damn thing breaks...

Thanks for any help!
Jonathan

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 19 Oct 2009, 19:47

I understand your frustration but at the end of the day I think you are really looking at a rebuilt starter. I bought one for my son's '96 for around $140.00 at O'Reiily Auto Parts - it was a re-manufactured Bosch and it has worked flawlessly since.

...Lee

jonofmac · Post by **jonofmac** » 19 Oct 2009, 20:05

Well... I guess if that's my only option, I'll have to take it.

So, is there a specific model I have to ask for? I've never had to purchase a starter motor before. Any generic one? Also, it will come with the solenoid? Just unsure if these are car specific.

Thanks again,
Jonathan

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 Oct 2009, 06:36

As I recall there are two versions of the starter, a long one and a short one. It depends on the engine serial number. It will come with a new solenoid. I stick with the rebuilt Bosch for mine but there are some Chinese knockoffs out there.

...Lee

Post by **confused_al** » 20 Oct 2009, 07:26

Ozark Lee wrote:As I recall there are two versions of the starter, a long one and a short one.

Lee, your memory is still like you are in 20s (btw, happy 50!

).
The long one (p/n 5003918) is the old version, which needs a mounting bracket in the back. The short one(p/n 8111302) is the newer version now used in both P1 and P2 cars from Volvo. It is about 1/2" shorter and a few pounds lighter, and does not need that bracket.