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M1078 Starter Replacement

dbeasty

Member
49
12
8
Location
Eastsound, wa
To get my M1078-A1 start I had to tap the starter with the rubber mallet ..

My conclusion the starter is bad.

Should I replace it , or maybe there is a way to refurbish it??

How do you go about replacing the starter,it seems super heavy and I do not have a very good access to it, maybe I need to turn my wheels a bit,.,.??
 

Ronmar

Well-known member
3,845
7,474
113
Location
Port angeles wa
Yes its heavy. An assistant or an engine hoist holding a lift strap to support it while you unbolt and then carry most of the weight as you lower it. I would pull it apart and clean and inspect it...
 

Suprman

Well-known member
Supporting Vendor
6,861
696
113
Location
Stratford/Connecticut
I called all of my local rebuild shops no one wants to know anything about a 24v starter. I believe there are some aftermarket options out there. The original is a cat part and big bucks.
 

SausageGuy

Active member
117
35
28
Location
Kansas City MO
My truck had the starter in the floorboard when I got it. I assumed it was bad since it was off and didn't want to install it only to have to take it back off. I took it to an automotive electrical shop near me and they rebuilt it no problem $150.
 

Suprman

Well-known member
Supporting Vendor
6,861
696
113
Location
Stratford/Connecticut
I take the bolts off the steering reservoir and let it hand loose. Disconnect all batteries. Label each starter wire and take a picture with your phone. One person on top one underneath for the final bolt removal and getting it out.
 

Reworked LMTV

Expedition Campers Limited, LLC
Supporting Vendor
1,506
1,174
113
Location
TN
Many times it is just the brushes. Take it apart and clean it. Check the brushes.

I just did this a Bosch diesel starter motor a couple of days ago. I cleaned the armature with some MAF cleaner. Clean out the lines where the copper plates meet on the armature with a something sharp.

Might be able to just replace the solenoid or bendix if that is the problem. All depends on the unit.
 
Last edited:

tennmogger

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,579
543
113
Location
Greenback, TN
One trick for supporting the starter is to suspend it by bungee rope (Like Bungee cord material). Use enough rope to lift the starter. The stretch of the rope will allow you to maneuver the starter. Be sure to tie a loop of good rope or a ratchet strap tightly around the starter so the bungees cannot slide off, and that allows you to tip the starter too.

This really helps when putting the starter back in. The Bungee does the lifting and you can make adjustments in position by hand to align the bolts.

Be sure to label all the wires, and count the number on each post so none get hidden and lost! I learned the hard way.
 

m-35tom

Well-known member
Supporting Vendor
3,021
222
63
Location
eldersburg maryland
New cat starter for 3116 is about $200 with no core since it is new. But it is considerably smaller and probably not water proof.
 

AllenF

Member
56
38
18
Location
Riverside, Ca
Coachgeo, That is a great idea. these CAT engines are used a lot in marine (boat) applications. In fact, as you said, there may be other items that could cross over and be of better quality.
 

dbeasty

Member
49
12
8
Location
Eastsound, wa
There are web pages that specify the tooth number and fitting. Anyhow went with the CAT starter , the advantage was that it was bit lighter and easier to put in and seems to be working nicely so far.
 
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