Starter help needed

[Wingnut]

Not for a TDI, but for my Isuzu straight truck.....

The bolt that holds the strap from the starter to the solenoid broke at the head:

My question is, can I simply use a steel bolt to attach it, or does it have to be copper.

I did find this repair kit on E-bay for $50. The part that broke is the right bolt, but if I can use a $0.50 bolt, I'd rather do that. Just not sure if it has to be copper for corrosion resistance, or what?

Thanks for looking!

 

[aja8888]

Copper to handle the high amperage. Better conductivity, and a steel bolt will have more resistance, thus heat quickly. That's my thoughts without engineering calculations.

 

[Wingnut]

Good point. Perhaps I'll hit up some local rebuilders to see if I can get a copper bolt. No point in paying big $$$ for the kit when I just need a bolt.

 

[proto]

I'd check with Newtons Electric in Brampton for anything starter related.

85 Steelwell Rd, 905-791-2485

 

[Wingnut]

Got it sorted. Went to my local rebuilder and he had a box of parts for Denso starters and gave me the bolt no charge! Thanks for the tip.

 

[DPM]

Those Denso starters are hard on their solenoid contacts; you don't need the whole rebuild kit (as the plunger contact takes no real damage) but the two main copper contacts wear badly and cause an annoying no-start.

While you have it apart check both the contacts for erosion and if there's much of a step just replace them; else you'll be doing it again shortly...