3208 Starter

[Steve1.0]

Anyone have any experience with aftermarket starters? Local Cat dealer wants over $600 for a re-manufactured starter with a core exchange.
Google search shows up with $300 range results.
Anyone?


P.S. Probably should have put this in "General Discussion" but don't know how to move it.

 

[Osprey69]

I had my Yanmar 3QM30 (our sailboat) starter and alternator rebuilt at Leo Boulanger & Son in New Bedford. Maybe worth a call and shipping?

 

[CharlieO.]

I second having it rebuilt. Doesn't even need to be a marine specific shop. Tractor shop, Truck shop. Not sure what you have near you.

 

[Portage_Bay]

CharlieO has it right. Take the starter to a rebuild shop. There's nothing marine specific about it.

I've found after market reduction gear starters for the 3208 online but never pulled the trigger. If I could be confident they would fit and work I'd be willing to give them a try. I'm sure they wouldn't last as long as the OEM gear but they're much smaller and lighter making at sea replacement by this ancient mariner more realistic. On my boat's setup I doubt I have the strength to RnR the OEM starter.

 

[jungpeter]

Anyone have any experience with aftermarket starters? Local Cat dealer wants over $600 for a re-manufactured starter with a core exchange.
Google search shows up with $300 range results....

Hi Steve1.0,

As others have noted, the least expensive option is through a local starter rebuilder, which are common most places. There's nothing magic about a 3208 starter for marine use, so most competent rebuilders should have no issues with a rebuild. Probably comes with a warranty, which will be much easier to secure than from an online rebuilder, located across the country. And, since these things are HEAVY, saves a bunch on shipping as well.

Here's hoping you don't have to R&R your starboard engine starter. If your GB is anything like my Tolly, the starboard starter is outboard, under the exhaust piping for this V8 engine. I could see mine, touch it if laying flat on the engine room deck hanging over the transmission, but no way in God's green earth was that thing coming out without major disassembly beforehand. And then finding some gorilla that can hold ~60 lbs. at arm's length to muscle the old one out, and the new one in place.

Sheesh. It's a boat.

Regards,

Pete

 

[Portage_Bay]

Steve1.0


In the for what it's worth column an 11 month old reply on boatdiesel.com regarding a question on gear reduction starters for the 3208. The responder has a C18 but I think based on what he says it's worth talking to a truck shop to check out options.

My starboard starter failed on a Cat C18 about a month after I purchased the boat, so went to truck supply and picked up a replacement made by Delco about half the weight and had it installed 3 years ago. Engine starts as easy as the the one with the OEM starter. The light weight starters are geared so they spin the engine with a smaller motor. Hope this helps.

 

[Lepke]

I buy my small diesel starters on ebay. I haven't had one fail. Caterpillar doesn't make starters. Some factory makes them and puts on the Caterpillar paint & labels on and loads the starter in a Caterpillar box. They could come from the same factory that makes after market starters.
Heavy duty and old irreplaceable starters I have rebuilt at Ballard Electric, 930 NW 49th St., Seattle. (206) 789-4050 They do starters, alternators, DC motors and much more like onboard service. They stock most marine starters and alternators, probably trucks, too.

 

[Airstream345]

I'd be interested in sourcing one as well. While there is nothing wrong with mine, I'd like to carry a spare onboard.

 

[Mjohnson]

If memory serves its a 42MT12 tooth Delco starter for the 3208. Any Kenworth or Peterbuilt shop will have those on the shelf likely at a third the cost of Cat. Also I believe a 39MT or 35MT are available in 12 tooth with the same orientation. Both those are gear reduction starters that weigh about half of the original. There's also napa as a good source for starters too.

 

[koliver]

Anyone have any experience with aftermarket starters? Local Cat dealer wants over $600 for a re-manufactured starter with a core exchange.
Google search shows up with $300 range results.
Anyone?


P.S. Probably should have put this in "General Discussion" but don't know how to move it.

I my community, taking the starter in to the local NAPA or other auto parts store, where they will send it out to a rebuilder, should work.
I did this last month, for my starter, for about $300, got my 1990 starter back like new.

 

[TowLou]

Starters you can get rebuilt. Call up a local truck repair center not a dealer they could point you in the right direction.

 

[tiltrider1]

I buy my small diesel starters on ebay. I haven't had one fail. Caterpillar doesn't make starters. Some factory makes them and puts on the Caterpillar paint & labels on and loads the starter in a Caterpillar box. They could come from the same factory that makes after market starters.
Heavy duty and old irreplaceable starters I have rebuilt at Ballard Electric, 930 NW 49th St., Seattle. (206) 789-4050 They do starters, alternators, DC motors and much more like onboard service. They stock most marine starters and alternators, probably trucks, too.

They moved to Ewing St. but phone number is the same.

 

[motion30]

Anyone have any experience with aftermarket starters? Local Cat dealer wants over $600 for a re-manufactured starter with a core exchange.
Google search shows up with $300 range results.
Anyone?


P.S. Probably should have put this in "General Discussion" but don't know how to move it.

I have bought one from an aftermarket source, although I don't remember which seems like it was like $275. It has worked well the last year and a 1/2. Just a slide tip when you order ,be aware that there are 2 rotations ,you must pick the one that matches your engine

 

[Steve1.0]

Thanks to whomever moved this thread and for all the replies! Found a local shop in Stuart to do a rebuild. Taking it in Monday.

jPete, stb starter in my GBanks is reasonably accessible. Once I climb over the 3 boxes of batteries and the vacuflush pump. Then squeeze by the stupid wiring display case (whats that for anyhow?) Then if I lay on my belly (on aforementioned boxes) I should be able to get to the bottom bolt. Then sitting (again on the aforementioned boxes) should be able to lift the starter put. The exhaust riser which passes right over the lift out path, might be a nice place to rest my face as the starter is removed.

Hopefully, I won't have to try this one.
I want to carry a spare. May pick up a reduction gear version and try it.
Stand by!

Here's hoping you don't need to deal with it.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I want to carry a spare. May pick up a reduction gear version and try it.
Stand by!

I too want to carry a spare. If you source a gear reduction starter please post the vendor, manufacturer etc. I found some online a few years back but have not been able to find them recently.

 

[motion30]

In case you were curious, the starter for this motor weighs 65 pounds

 

[Portage_Bay]

In case you were curious, the starter for this motor weighs 65 pounds

Yes it does. That's the reason for sourcing a gear reduction starter.

 

[EngNate]

DB Electrical online is a great source

 

[Deano]

I had mine rebuilt at a starter shop in St. Pete for just under $300. Took one day.

 

[Var Korall]

I have had great service from Riviera Generator Services in Lake Park, FL. 561 845 6665. 330 10th Street.

 

[motion30]

DB Electrical online is a great source

Db Electrical is where I bought my starter good prices and after 2 years has held up well

 

[LeoKa]

My 3306 starter died few years ago and bought an aftermarket one for about $230. It works well ever since.

 

[Capn James Brett]

Steve, had one go out a few years ago and bought from Thompson Electric. Here is the cost info.
tem Quantity Price Subtotal
371211427831
100% PREMIUM NEW STARTER CATERPILLAR INDUSTRIAL ENGINE 3208, 3304, 3306, 1 $222.51 USD $222.51 USD

Here is their website.
Welcome to Electric Motor Service
Good luck

 

[Pat T]

FYI, I would also like a spare so I inquired:
I used the number on my CAT starter (3T 2648 CCW.) Electric Motor Service did not have it available, nor did DB Electrical. Neither offered to order it and get it. I then went to CAT website . Their new number is 207-1533 and that would cost you $1388.58. They also offer a reman part # 10R-0403 for $694.30 plus a core charge.
Diesel Parts Direct has 10R-0403 for $294.30 plus a $90 core.
10478968 is a Delco number, if I am not mistaken, and Amazon has it for $384 and gets it from a place called The Rare Electric Store.
I have the 435HP version of the CAT 3208 - don't know if that makes a difference but do your due diligence when ordering.

 

[Steve1.0]

Well, turns out my original starter is a Bosch.(?) No parts available (except needle bearings). Guy thinks the solenoid is bad. It barely made 1 click type noise on his bench. (I witnessed it)

So.... new Delco 6767 12v starter $527 w/tax. Half a boat buck, so not too bad.



P.S. Source for a 12v solenoid for a Bosch starter anyone?

 

[koliver]

Well, turns out my original starter is a Bosch.(?) No parts available (except needle bearings). Guy thinks the solenoid is bad. It barely made 1 click type noise on his bench. (I witnessed it)

So.... new Delco 6767 12v starter $527 w/tax. Half a boat buck, so not too bad.



P.S. Source for a 12v solenoid for a Bosch starter anyone?

I just got one back. I tookit to the local Bumper to Bumper store here on Saltspring. Got it back in less than a week, $300. They replaced the solenoid and the drive gear. Went from hesitant to throw the drive gear and weak operation when it did, to quick response, easy start on less than a full revolution.
This is from a Volvo Tamd41, but i don't have the numbers off the unit. I suspect the new solenoid is just what the rebuilder uses, not necessarily a Bosch #. Many Volvo components have Bosch written on them, so I would be surprised to find this was any different.
Maybe try a different auto parts store who will send it on to their regular rebuilder.

 

[neworleansrich]

I had a Bosch starter on one side that was dragging. The starter shop said parts were crazy expensive so he ended up building me a Delco 42MT out of his spare parts for $160.

The Caterpillar numbers I have are 3T2648 and 7T2266. I think one is an updated number.

The Delco equivalent is CCW 42MT 12 tooth 1190365. The only other variable is 12v 24v or 32v.

 

[Pat T]

Just as a follow up.....I ordered from Amazon and got delivered to my door. It is new. $423 total. Took it to boat and installed it . Tried a few times - success! So I pulled it back out to paint white. I now have a spare. Although the Amazon site says it comes from Rare Electric the paper work says it came from Romaine Electric in Missouri.