DIY: Starter Change Swap (for dummies)
08-08-2016, 07:27 PM
#251
I used to suffer from the same hot start issue. I figured since the car is a 2005, and I am the original owner, it was time to change the starter. I went to advanced auto here in Florida and a replacement was only $99. Easy to install but it had the same weak starts. I took the starter back and swapped it for one made for a 2006. The auto parts store didn't have a problem, since I brought it back in the original box and it was clean. Installed new one, which did have a different part no but looked the same, and the difference is night and day. You could hear it noticeably faster and I haven't had a flooding problem since. Just make sure you ask for a 2006 starter.
10-21-2016, 05:02 AM
#252
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I know this is an old thread but I was thinking about replacing my starter with this. High Torque 2KW Starter (04-08 RX-8)
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
04-02-2017, 10:58 AM
#254
I would like this to be included into the opening post.
Today I have replaced my original starter with a 2kW version from Alanko. No idea what code it is.
The starter I had in my 2004 235 bhp RX-8 was one manufactured by Mitsubishi under the code N3Z1 listed as 2kW, which is apparently the "beefed up" starter, but still couldn't manage more than 240rpm with the fuel supply cut off. Both starters looked identical on the outside, I couldn't spot a single significant difference.
I replaced it with a cheap 2kW starter from Alanko which costed around 80 bucks new. It cranks the engine at 300rpm with the fuel supply cut off, and made a significant difference in starting performance.
Even though you already have an old 2kw starter, it might still work like **** due to age and wear.
Today I have replaced my original starter with a 2kW version from Alanko. No idea what code it is.
The starter I had in my 2004 235 bhp RX-8 was one manufactured by Mitsubishi under the code N3Z1 listed as 2kW, which is apparently the "beefed up" starter, but still couldn't manage more than 240rpm with the fuel supply cut off. Both starters looked identical on the outside, I couldn't spot a single significant difference.
I replaced it with a cheap 2kW starter from Alanko which costed around 80 bucks new. It cranks the engine at 300rpm with the fuel supply cut off, and made a significant difference in starting performance.
Even though you already have an old 2kw starter, it might still work like **** due to age and wear.
08-02-2017, 06:11 PM
#255
It appears US Mazda Dealers are Selling REMAN Starters, not that there is anything wrong with a re-man...
N3H1 and N3Z1-18-400 Manual Trans Now goes to N3H1-18-400R0A
N3H2 and N3Z2-18-400 AUTO goes to N3H2-18-400R0B
With a "core" exchange policy of $75.00.
THESE PART NUMBERS AND INFORMATION ONLY APPLIES TO SERIES 1 RX-8'S
Just a Tip...
IF you are CHANGING your Starter for WHATEVER Reason, Please make sure your Cars Battery is in
A1 Condition, Always go for a battery with the Highest CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) you can find for your RX-8 in your Location.
A "Cheap" battery will give you poor starting results also in the long term or use.
N3H1 and N3Z1-18-400 Manual Trans Now goes to N3H1-18-400R0A
N3H2 and N3Z2-18-400 AUTO goes to N3H2-18-400R0B
With a "core" exchange policy of $75.00.
THESE PART NUMBERS AND INFORMATION ONLY APPLIES TO SERIES 1 RX-8'S
Just a Tip...
IF you are CHANGING your Starter for WHATEVER Reason, Please make sure your Cars Battery is in
A1 Condition, Always go for a battery with the Highest CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) you can find for your RX-8 in your Location.
A "Cheap" battery will give you poor starting results also in the long term or use.
The specs are:
2.0kW/12 Volt, CW, 18-Tooth Pinion
• Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGR
• MFR:MITSUBISHI
• DESIGN:PMOSGR
• VOLTAGE:12
• KW:2.0
• ROTATION:CW
• TEETH:18For : • Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGRUsed On: Mazda (2004-2008) , Toyota - Europe (1995-1999)
Replaces:
Mazda N3H2-18-400A, N3H2-18-400B, N3Z2-18-400, Mitsubishi M001T98081, M001T98081A, M001T98081B,
M001T98081CLester Nos: 17916,
08-04-2017, 12:53 AM
#257
If you live in Houston someone in the Gulf Region forum area is giving away a new starter for FREE if you meet him in an RX-8 to pick it up, pretty sure it's for a manual trans but please confirm because the auto trans starter is different
https://www.rx8club.com/gulf-rx-8-fo...o-zone-264359/
https://www.rx8club.com/gulf-rx-8-fo...o-zone-264359/
08-04-2017, 11:40 AM
#258
If you live in Houston someone in the Gulf Region forum area is giving away a new starter for FREE if you meet him in an RX-8 to pick it up, pretty sure it's for a manual trans but please confirm because the auto trans starter is different
https://www.rx8club.com/gulf-rx-8-fo...o-zone-264359/
https://www.rx8club.com/gulf-rx-8-fo...o-zone-264359/
10-19-2017, 03:14 AM
#259
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Im buying a starter for my car. Im wondering if its compatible with my 2004 rx8 because u mentioned the upgraded ones only have 14 teeth. The one i ordered has 18 teeth so now i dont know if it will Work with my car or not
The specs are:
2.0kW/12 Volt, CW, 18-Tooth Pinion
• Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGR
• MFR:MITSUBISHI
• DESIGN:PMOSGR
• VOLTAGE:12
• KW:2.0
• ROTATION:CW
• TEETH:18For : • Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGRUsed On: Mazda (2004-2008) , Toyota - Europe (1995-1999)
Replaces:
Mazda N3H2-18-400A, N3H2-18-400B, N3Z2-18-400, Mitsubishi M001T98081, M001T98081A, M001T98081B,
M001T98081CLester Nos: 17916,
The specs are:
2.0kW/12 Volt, CW, 18-Tooth Pinion
• Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGR
• MFR:MITSUBISHI
• DESIGN:PMOSGR
• VOLTAGE:12
• KW:2.0
• ROTATION:CW
• TEETH:18For : • Starter - Mitsubishi PMOSGRUsed On: Mazda (2004-2008) , Toyota - Europe (1995-1999)
Replaces:
Mazda N3H2-18-400A, N3H2-18-400B, N3Z2-18-400, Mitsubishi M001T98081, M001T98081A, M001T98081B,
M001T98081CLester Nos: 17916,
10-19-2017, 07:29 AM
#260
It’s the very last line, needs a space added between C and L
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-179...-1&_mwBanner=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-179...-1&_mwBanner=1
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Okki-Jakarta (10-19-2017)
10-21-2017, 12:27 AM
#263
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that's pretty sick tho if it's true, 18 teeth man, imagine that.
i changed to the 14 teeth one and the first few starts it was sort of "slipping/wasn't biting", after afew starts now it's all good. is it normal? lol.
i changed to the 14 teeth one and the first few starts it was sort of "slipping/wasn't biting", after afew starts now it's all good. is it normal? lol.
10-22-2017, 02:03 AM
#264
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I am having an issue I got the bolt for the wires off and I got the lower bolt removed on my starter. When I tried to break the upper nut loose I used an impact because it was stripped by the previous owner.I had thought I broke the top nut loose but after turning it for a few times I realized that not only was the nut spinning but also the threaded bolt. What should I do from here?? Is there anything I can do? Please help I'd like to avoid taking it to the shop to change a starter they will over charge and it honestly should have been a 20min job....
10-22-2017, 02:07 AM
#265
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Well, after swapping starters on a few different RX8's, and seeing some other request help on the subject, I've decided to post another "DIY for dummies"
Starter Swap for 04-08 Manual Trans cars:
New info (6/2012)
Series 2 Starters will fit on Series 1:
OLD Series 1 Starters have a 11 tooth cog, upgraded have 13 teeth.
Series 2 Starters have 14 teeth and YES they do fit Series 1's.
Auto Transmission and Manual Transmission Starter Motors are different and can not be swapped.
Why: 04-05 cars were made with weak starters... Mazda improved the starters from then on with beefier starter motors. So, if you have an 04-05, you'll want to upgrade yours someday.
Who: 04-05 manual trans owners. Or any series 1 that needs a starter
How: Find an 06 or new RX8. Listen to their starter, and then listen yours... if it sounds like yours is slower, you have an old starter (Or, if you want to get technical, your starter will have the part number "N3H1"... if you have "N3H1 A", that means you have an upgraded starter. The other product number for the upgraded starter is "N3Z1" which came from later model years.... The non-upgraded starters are also about an inch shorter than the upgraded ones.
Pic 1 is a non upgraded - pic 2, 3, and 4 are of the different upgraded starters
Mazmart, junk yards, eBay, and the FS forum are all good spots to pick up an upgraded starter. Prices range from $50 bucks from a junk yard to $300+ for a new one... I'm sure dealers charge more.
Also... this just brought to my attention and I would quote it here for all to see....
Begin DIY:
So you've purchased your upgraded starter and you're ready to put it on. Confirm that the product code is an upgraded starter and you're ready to do this.
Tools needed:
Jack
1 Jack stand
Metric Socket set (i did this a few months ago and don't remember each socket size) 10mm,12mm and maybe 14mm and socket extension are always good.
work light (for seeing under the car)
Time: If you're working fast, and have all the tools you need at hand, you can get this done in about 15-25 min. If you're messing with a camera and don't have a work light... plan on 45 min to an hour.
Starter Swap for 04-08 Manual Trans cars:
New info (6/2012)
Series 2 Starters will fit on Series 1:
OLD Series 1 Starters have a 11 tooth cog, upgraded have 13 teeth.
Series 2 Starters have 14 teeth and YES they do fit Series 1's.
Auto Transmission and Manual Transmission Starter Motors are different and can not be swapped.
Why: 04-05 cars were made with weak starters... Mazda improved the starters from then on with beefier starter motors. So, if you have an 04-05, you'll want to upgrade yours someday.
Who: 04-05 manual trans owners. Or any series 1 that needs a starter
How: Find an 06 or new RX8. Listen to their starter, and then listen yours... if it sounds like yours is slower, you have an old starter (Or, if you want to get technical, your starter will have the part number "N3H1"... if you have "N3H1 A", that means you have an upgraded starter. The other product number for the upgraded starter is "N3Z1" which came from later model years.... The non-upgraded starters are also about an inch shorter than the upgraded ones.
Pic 1 is a non upgraded - pic 2, 3, and 4 are of the different upgraded starters
Mazmart, junk yards, eBay, and the FS forum are all good spots to pick up an upgraded starter. Prices range from $50 bucks from a junk yard to $300+ for a new one... I'm sure dealers charge more.
Also... this just brought to my attention and I would quote it here for all to see....
Begin DIY:
So you've purchased your upgraded starter and you're ready to put it on. Confirm that the product code is an upgraded starter and you're ready to do this.
Tools needed:
Jack
1 Jack stand
Metric Socket set (i did this a few months ago and don't remember each socket size) 10mm,12mm and maybe 14mm and socket extension are always good.
work light (for seeing under the car)
Time: If you're working fast, and have all the tools you need at hand, you can get this done in about 15-25 min. If you're messing with a camera and don't have a work light... plan on 45 min to an hour.
I am having an issue I got the bolt for the wires off and I got the lower bolt removed on my starter. When I tried to break the upper nut loose I used an impact because it was stripped by the previous owner.I had thought I broke the top nut loose but after turning it for a few times I realized that not only was the nut spinning but also the threaded bolt. What should I do from here?? Is there anything I can do? Please help I'd like to avoid taking it to the shop to change a starter they will over charge and it honestly should have been a 20min job....
10-22-2017, 12:37 PM
#266
Well if you’re saying that you don’t know how to take a nut off a bolt then the answer is fairly simple. You need to put a wrench on the nut to keep it from spinning while you spin the bolt out. I haven’t done it in a while but I seem to recall that it’s either 14mm or 17mm. That one bolt is only secured by the nut. It doesn’t thread into the casing like the other bolts.
.
.
Last edited by TeamRX8; 10-22-2017 at 12:39 PM.
10-22-2017, 07:00 PM
#267
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Well if you’re saying that you don’t know how to take a nut off a bolt then the answer is fairly simple. You need to put a wrench on the nut to keep it from spinning while you spin the bolt out. I haven’t done it in a while but I seem to recall that it’s either 14mm or 17mm. That one bolt is only secured by the nut. It doesn’t thread into the casing like the other bolts.
.
.
10-26-2017, 11:15 AM
#268
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2004 Mazda RX-8 MT
Hello All!
I’m in the process of buying a new starter from advance auto or a used from the junk yard. Please let me know if the description is sufficient to what I need.
First of all my car didn’t start this Monday morning and it was last started on Friday. Got the battery charged and tried to jump start but no luck!
The Ignition coil wires were replaced two years ago and spark plugs last year.
Description:
Also is there anything I’m missing or any suggestions will help. Will let you know how my DIY goes!
I’m in the process of buying a new starter from advance auto or a used from the junk yard. Please let me know if the description is sufficient to what I need.
First of all my car didn’t start this Monday morning and it was last started on Friday. Got the battery charged and tried to jump start but no luck!
The Ignition coil wires were replaced two years ago and spark plugs last year.
Description:
- Direct Drive:NoDrive Tooth Quantity:18Gear Reduction:YesGear Reduction Ratio:7.17 rHorsepower Rating:2.682 hpMounting Bolt(s) Included:NoMounting Shims Included:NoNose Cone Type:ClosedOE Manufacturer:MitsubishiOverall Length:235.8 mmSolenoid Attached:YesStarter Type:Mitsubishi Permanent Magnet Offset Gear ReductionVoltage:12 vkW Rating:2 kw
- Direct Drive:NoDrive Tooth Quantity:18Gear Reduction:YesGear Reduction Ratio:7.14 rHorsepower Rating:2.682 hpMounting Bolt(s) Included:NoMounting Shims Included:NoNose Cone Type:ClosedOE Manufacturer:MitsubishiOverall Length:235.5 mmSolenoid Attached:YesStarter Type:Mitsubishi Permanent Magnet Offset Gear ReductionVoltage:12 vkW Rating:2 kw
Also is there anything I’m missing or any suggestions will help. Will let you know how my DIY goes!
01-04-2018, 05:51 PM
#269
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Hello All!
I’m in the process of buying a new starter from advance auto or a used from the junk yard. Please let me know if the description is sufficient to what I need.
First of all my car didn’t start this Monday morning and it was last started on Friday. Got the battery charged and tried to jump start but no luck!
The Ignition coil wires were replaced two years ago and spark plugs last year.
Description:
Also is there anything I’m missing or any suggestions will help. Will let you know how my DIY goes!
I’m in the process of buying a new starter from advance auto or a used from the junk yard. Please let me know if the description is sufficient to what I need.
First of all my car didn’t start this Monday morning and it was last started on Friday. Got the battery charged and tried to jump start but no luck!
The Ignition coil wires were replaced two years ago and spark plugs last year.
Description:
- Direct Drive:NoDrive Tooth Quantity:18Gear Reduction:YesGear Reduction Ratio:7.17 rHorsepower Rating:2.682 hpMounting Bolt(s) Included:NoMounting Shims Included:NoNose Cone Type:ClosedOE Manufacturer:MitsubishiOverall Length:235.8 mmSolenoid Attached:YesStarter Type:Mitsubishi Permanent Magnet Offset Gear ReductionVoltage:12 vkW Rating:2 kw
- Direct Drive:NoDrive Tooth Quantity:18Gear Reduction:YesGear Reduction Ratio:7.14 rHorsepower Rating:2.682 hpMounting Bolt(s) Included:NoMounting Shims Included:NoNose Cone Type:ClosedOE Manufacturer:MitsubishiOverall Length:235.5 mmSolenoid Attached:YesStarter Type:Mitsubishi Permanent Magnet Offset Gear ReductionVoltage:12 vkW Rating:2 kw
Also is there anything I’m missing or any suggestions will help. Will let you know how my DIY goes!
Ditto: I went to advanced auto and bought the same one I am trying to clarify if this starter we both bought is an up grade or not. I herd that the OEM starter was 1.4 or 1.8 Kw and under 2 HP, however confirming this is impossible so far and that the up graded starter was longer and I am not sure that was talking about the automatic starters which i have because the post "starter swap for dummies was aimed at the manual starter. A problem I encountered in my research is that there are a lot of OEM reman's out there pretending to unknowing folks to be an up grade ?. I have a 2004 automatic rx8 114,00 mies . I am trying to know if this starter we both seem to have purchased is an up grade or not??. I called Mazda and that was a hoot , know one even knows what they are selling any more so it is next to impossible so far to find out if the 18 tooth 2.0 KW/2.62 HP is an up grade or not?. Thank you to any one who can answer this question , Mazda is useless !
Last edited by reni04; 01-04-2018 at 06:19 PM.
01-06-2018, 08:49 PM
#270
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Hello , a follow up : I have a 2004 rx8 automatic: I bought a 18 tooth/2.0 KW/2.68 HP. I removed the cross member covering the starter. The third bolt was stuck and got rounded out. Any suggestions on how to get the stuck rounded out nut off the bolt would be great and thank you !. So far with out further knowledge I have one choice and that is too cut the head off the bolt and remove the starter and find some way to get the bolt minus the head to back out of the motor?. I don't want to run the starter with only two of three bolts?. Just a little unsure of how to do other than that?. Any suggestions will help and thank you again !.
01-07-2018, 07:12 PM
#271
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Hello , a follow up : I have a 2004 rx8 automatic: I bought a 18 tooth/2.0 KW/2.68 HP. I removed the cross member covering the starter. The third bolt was stuck and got rounded out. Any suggestions on how to get the stuck rounded out nut off the bolt would be great and thank you !. So far with out further knowledge I have one choice and that is too cut the head off the bolt and remove the starter and find some way to get the bolt minus the head to back out of the motor?. I don't want to run the starter with only two of three bolts?. Just a little unsure of how to do other than that?. Any suggestions will help and thank you again !.
I got the starter out of the 8 still searching for base line information( how many teeth , what's the KW etc) on the OEM starter to be able to tell what a up graded starter looks like. If any one has any spec's on the 2004 automatic trans starter that would be great !. Not surprised that Mazda doesn't know what the spec's on their own car is lol. I don't want to wind up putting in a remaned OEM starter ?.
01-13-2018, 05:07 PM
#272
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Up date: I installed my 3rd starter today and promptly removed it as it was a weak reman , it had to be a rteman 2004/05 for the automatic. The part number I was given by a man I know there and he is a 20 year mazda guy says it is #N3H2 and they are just over $500.00 ?. Ouch !!. As soon as I can save up the $ I will purchase one from the dealer unless some one knows where to buy one cheaper. I would from my research experience say to any who have an automatic and wish to up grade , stay away from your local auto parts stores for two reasons 1) All cookie cutter local auto parts stores are selling only remaned 2004/2005 starters an the OEM starter is part #N3H1-A and Mazda told me today the proper part # for an up graded through the dealer is #N3H2 and they cost $500.00 plus so ther it is for the automatic. When I save up the $ I will post where and how much and what part number I purchased after I try the new one first.
01-13-2018, 06:19 PM
#273
Super Moderator
As I said to you in PM the N3H2 is not really an upgraded Starter, it is your same original for S1 Auto's.
Contrary to what Auto parts stores say (they are not Mazda ) their starters either a local reman or a Stator 'upgrade' AFAIK their S1 auto starters has no change to the number of teeth.
Mazda never changed the cog size or teeth on any model S1 Auto Starter.
ALL OEM S1 Starter drive cogs are the exact same unaltered Mazda part number.
As you know from a Mazda Parts Dealer in USA, all RX-8 Starters are local remans through them also, none are brand new via Mazda Japan.
BTW: N3H1 18 400A is for MANUAL trans
I already told you what you could try...you don't have any other options, as I said they are all remans.
Contrary to what Auto parts stores say (they are not Mazda ) their starters either a local reman or a Stator 'upgrade' AFAIK their S1 auto starters has no change to the number of teeth.
Mazda never changed the cog size or teeth on any model S1 Auto Starter.
ALL OEM S1 Starter drive cogs are the exact same unaltered Mazda part number.
As you know from a Mazda Parts Dealer in USA, all RX-8 Starters are local remans through them also, none are brand new via Mazda Japan.
BTW: N3H1 18 400A is for MANUAL trans
I already told you what you could try...you don't have any other options, as I said they are all remans.
01-16-2018, 07:58 PM
#274
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As I said to you in PM the N3H2 is not really an upgraded Starter, it is your same original for S1 Auto's.
Contrary to what Auto parts stores say (they are not Mazda ) their starters either a local reman or a Stator 'upgrade' AFAIK their S1 auto starters has no change to the number of teeth.
Mazda never changed the cog size or teeth on any model S1 Auto Starter.
ALL OEM S1 Starter drive cogs are the exact same unaltered Mazda part number.
As you know from a Mazda Parts Dealer in USA, all RX-8 Starters are local remans through them also, none are brand new via Mazda Japan.
BTW: N3H1 18 400A is for MANUAL trans
I already told you what you could try...you don't have any other options, as I said they are all remans.
Contrary to what Auto parts stores say (they are not Mazda ) their starters either a local reman or a Stator 'upgrade' AFAIK their S1 auto starters has no change to the number of teeth.
Mazda never changed the cog size or teeth on any model S1 Auto Starter.
ALL OEM S1 Starter drive cogs are the exact same unaltered Mazda part number.
As you know from a Mazda Parts Dealer in USA, all RX-8 Starters are local remans through them also, none are brand new via Mazda Japan.
BTW: N3H1 18 400A is for MANUAL trans
I already told you what you could try...you don't have any other options, as I said they are all remans.
Hi Ash; Yes you are correct but I have learned no one out here in the parts world refers to the differences as S1 or S2 . Since we are on a no knowledge part number only parts industry way of doing things I have had to turn into a investigator of sorts. I will post the entire experience with the correct information on the 2004/2005 rx8 and what really works to get an up graded starter for the automatic.
So far I know the rx8 automatic starter that is stock or OEM is the N3H2-A it has 18 teeth and a KW rating of 1.4 to 1.8 and the rpm is round 180. The auto dealers are saying the N3H2-A starter fits 2004 through 2008. This is confusing because if the rx8 automatic starter was up graded why is a 2008 using the same starter that is in a 2004 and so the mystery goes. I do know the 2009 has a different designator than the 2004 through 2008, the 2009 rx8 automatic uses a Mazda part number of N3R2-A..
Since the Mazda Corp who I have talked to thi9s week doesn't want to divulge that information I am experimenting by now ordering a starter for a 2009 rx8 automatic. No risk for me here because Advanced auto will return it even after I have installed it if it didn't work. Si it will be here this Thursday the 18th of January. I will install it and if it works I will post all the confusing numbers and clear up the automatic mystery as to what year starter can I get for my 2004/2005 rx8 automatic. I don't want any one to experience the blood sweat and tears many tears of trying to get this in formation. Again thank you Ash !
01-18-2018, 04:35 PM
#275
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Hello another up date on the automatic starter: So far I have determined so far is that the starter Mazda says is the up graded starter is aN3R2-A and they are a meer $500.00 for thos with $ falling out their ***.For the rest of us the upgraded starter for the automatic rx8 is through Rx8 performance. I am odering the starter he said at Rx8 performance they are at 727-560-8582 if you want to call and ask about it. I am buying one and will report back when I install it. Rx8 performance brags the starter is at 300 rpm's and the stock N3H2-A is at 180 rpm , so we shall see. If this is the starter and it works I will post the whole ugly mystery after I am sure it works as advertised.