Geared starter

1

Over the years I have had the usual problems with the standard starter barely turning over the EJ25 Subaru, especially when the Syncro is hot, so I have fitted dual batteries, remote solenoid for the ignition switch, replaced the starter bush - all with some success.

However I think the time has come to fit a geared starter, and the one from GoWesty looks to be the answer, but I was wondering about the Hi Torque one from John Sherman and how they compare.

Has anyone fitted or have knowledge of putting one of his in the Syncro?


Bob Turnbull

91 Syncro with EJ25 Subaru fitted


2
My GoWesty geared starter has been great since replacing the old Syncro starter 6 months back. Cheaper in Australia than even a T2 starter.

Doone Wyborn

On Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 11:29 AM, bobtau01@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Over the years I have had the usual problems with the standard starter barely turning over the EJ25 Subaru, especially when the Syncro is hot, so I have fitted dual batteries, remote solenoid for the ignition switch, replaced the starter bush - all with some success.

However I think the time has come to fit a geared starter, and the one from GoWesty looks to be the answer, but I was wondering about the Hi Torque one from John Sherman and how they compare.

Has anyone fitted or have knowledge of putting one of his in the Syncro?


Bob Turnbull

91 Syncro with EJ25 Subaru fitted



3
I also have an EJ25 in mine but its using the RJES bellhousing with subaru starter.  The Hi Torque from John Sherman works well but its a tight fit and insulation of the wiring is important as the terminals get close to the gearbox casing, I have one in another syncro currently fitted with a V6 ecotec via a John Sherman adapter plate, although the V6 will go soon inplace of another EJ25.

My brother also recently successfully  fitted the Hi Torque to a standard 2.1 syncro with the same tight fit issue. The starter mount is adjustable but the fit is just tight and good insulation is needed. Otherwise the starters work well.

In a 2wd the fit isn't a problem but because of the syncro tank the starter body needs to be rotated and the main terminal is pointing downwards,  Comparing the GoWesty and Sherman pictures online, the Sherman one looks a little bulkier, perhaps an email to GoWesty confirming the orientation and fit of their starter wouldn't hurt.

Uwe
4
The Sherman starter will not fit if you have a rear diff-lock actuator.

Roger Bayley.
5
Bob may be worth trying a simple check on the earth front gearbox mount chassis to stud on side of gearbox ?
You may have a starter issue but I recommend trying a jumper lead earth or do the CSI on the existing 4 inch earth
I had what I thought a lazy starter and it turned out to be the earth lead loose.
Disregard if you have already eliminated this possibility.
Cheers.

On Wed, Jul 22, 2015 at 11:29 AM, bobtau01@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Over the years I have had the usual problems with the standard starter barely turning over the EJ25 Subaru, especially when the Syncro is hot, so I have fitted dual batteries, remote solenoid for the ignition switch, replaced the starter bush - all with some success.

However I think the time has come to fit a geared starter, and the one from GoWesty looks to be the answer, but I was wondering about the Hi Torque one from John Sherman and how they compare.

Has anyone fitted or have knowledge of putting one of his in the Syncro?


Bob Turnbull

91 Syncro with EJ25 Subaru fitted



6
Thanks all for your advice and comments.
Yes, I have checked earths and in fact put extra when I installed the Subaru.
I am leaning to the GoWesty as they are both about AUD $500 shipped to Adelaide, thanks to our Aussie dollar going south, and the existing starter is a tight fit, as I lifted the engine/transmission when I put in the Subaru.
I would like the Yankee dollar to collapse, but with the state of the world at the moment that is not likely for a while, so I suppose I had better buy it now, or wait for GoWesty to have a 15% sale.



7
I'm guessing you didn't use a bellhousing to run a standard Subaru starter Bob ?
This setup works well and starters are easy to come by if you need to replace.

Hope you're happy with the EJ25 I find it a perfect match for the Syncro.

Mark
8
Yes Mark, I did my conversion long before the custom bellhousing was made. I can see the advantages of this approach, but my setup is working so there is no big reason to change.

There is bad press re the DOHC EJ25, but with the right head gasket mine has been going strong since my homebrew conversion in 2000.

Bob Turnbull
9
Hi Bob,

great to hear of a 15 y.o subi. I don't know if this stuff is off topic but is your gearbox still original and how many km's ?

Best

Mark
10
Hi Mark,

The speedo is at 203K and I have had two overhauls to the gearbox in that time, Partly due to towing a 15ft camper trailer and heavy loads in a 7 X 5 trailer, and mainly due to using the extra power of the Subi!!

The first overhaul in 2002 at 145,000 was due to me finding parts of the ball selector sleeve in the gearbox plug, but on disassembly also finding the mainshaft and pinion bearings needed replacement - $1500.

Then in 2012 the gearbox became noisy, found plenty of metal on the drain plug again, so sent it off to Rudi for an overhaul - mainshaft, pinion, main needle bearings, gears, oil plates, convert to super diff with 4 spider gears etc, etc - $4000 ouch!  but this should last me out.

The take home message is go easy with the right foot and don't use the decoupler when pulling a load ( to spread the load on the transmission)

Regards,

Bob Turnbull
 
11
Hi Bob,

I have a similar story with my gearbox from my scooby 6cyl donk.

I had 2 teeth from second gear rip off and then find their way into the crown wheel & pinion - that cost about 4.5K to fix and then I had that 2nd gear go again but had Ronnie Schmidt sort it out including a new set of Weddle gears for the 2nd gear shaft and idler plus new bearings but at least my crown wheel & pinion was still good (Ronnie crack tested all the usual suspects) - second rebuild was around 2.5k.

Hopefully it will see me out too but I still plan on a 2.5 scooby conversion as it is just the perfect balance motor for a T3 syncro in my view. Loads of them around too so parts are easy.

Cheers,

Skot



On 27/07/2015 1:36 PM, bobtau01@gmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Mark,


The speedo is at 203K and I have had two overhauls to the gearbox in that time, Partly due to towing a 15ft camper trailer and heavy loads in a 7 X 5 trailer, and mainly due to using the extra power of the Subi!!

The first overhaul in 2002 at 145,000 was due to me finding parts of the ball selector sleeve in the gearbox plug, but on disassembly also finding the mainshaft and pinion bearings needed replacement - $1500.

Then in 2012 the gearbox became noisy, found plenty of metal on the drain plug again, so sent it off to Rudi for an overhaul - mainshaft, pinion, main needle bearings, gears, oil plates, convert to super diff with 4 spider gears etc, etc - $4000 ouch! but this should last me out.

The take home message is go easy with the right foot and don't use the decoupler when pulling a load ( to spread the load on the transmission)

Regards,

Bob Turnbull

12
That's a bit scary. I'm only 5000 kms into conversion on a 205k vehicle.
I've never had a gearbox issue in my previous 89 syncro now at 325k.
That said I do drive pretty carefully and looking at the repair bills will continue to do so.

Just had a win yesterday with cruise control and VSS now both working after 6 months of finding the problem.

All I need is 12 months holiday to do a lap of Oz !

Mark
13
Hi Mark,

Good to hear about your progress with the gadgets.

What VSS are you using?

Thanks,

Skot

On 28/07/2015 9:59 AM, m.mullet@yahoo.com.au [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

That's a bit scary. I'm only 5000 kms into conversion on a 205k vehicle.
I've never had a gearbox issue in my previous 89 syncro now at 325k.
That said I do drive pretty carefully and looking at the repair bills will continue to do so.

Just had a win yesterday with cruise control and VSS now both working after 6 months of finding the problem.

All I need is 12 months holiday to do a lap of Oz !

Mark