NA starter motor replacment

Purfler · Postby **Purfler** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:00 pm

I'm really thinking I'm cursed. As might be clear from my recent posts, I have the engine and gearbox out of my NA. I'm putting in a low km gearbox to replace the original which has bearing issues. While it is out I have changed all the seals, belts cam idle and tensioner bearings and water pump (plus a few hoses). I thought while I'm at it I'll change ther starter as it is easy to do now, but a PITA when back in the car. I ordered a new Bosch (there were some delays in getting it - feeding my paranoia) and today went to fit it so I could put the engine and 'box back in the car. (BTW I was very pleased with myself for working out an easy way to mount the 'box by myself - there was no-one else around to help). Anyway, the new starter did not fit. Went back to my trusty parts place where he triple checked the book of words and rang the supplier who also said it was the right one. I had the original with me and we measured the centres of the bolt holes proving the supplier to be wrong. Much confusion all round. The helpful guy went through the catalogue looking for a starter with the correct bolt spacings but could not find one. The supplier is also still looking into it. Now, I know I can go to Mazda and buy genuine, but I'm intrigued by the problem.

Has anyone else has this issue, or have suggestions as to the correct replacment?

Thanks (as always),

Tim

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 6:45 pm

the cross references are not always correct for many items- the guy who sells it often just relies on the data prepared and has no specific info- if it were a Holden Commodore or a Ford its more likely to be accurate i.e. higher demand and correction of data. The Bosch unit is probably an aftermarket item i.e. not OEM. The key usually for the right part at least with Mazda is the cars VIN provided car has not been modified. The other thing to do is take the old one out and compare it before fitting or maybe Mazda can supply the right one or try another source. If the starter was working ok I would have left it because it alone as any old car can have things fail. Some like to change things and others prefer to leave things that are working ok well alone.

Purfler · Postby **Purfler** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:01 pm

Thanks for the comments. I now think I should have left well enough alone

But when I could get a Bosch starter for $150 I thought it a good investment in saving my time in the future. The one on the car I suspect is original, or at leat OEM - being made by Mitsubishi. If this cannot be sorted tomorrow I will just put the old one back as I need the car back on the road.

Tim

Purfler · Postby **Purfler** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:41 am

Just a quick update. No joy - the starter Bosch says is for the Mx5 (BX003) does not fit - the bolt holes do not all line up. I do not understand :frown:

It's not that it issomething weird with just one gearbox, it did not align with the holes on either gearbox.

I'm putting the original back and when it eventually fails I will get it rebuilt.

Tim