My starter went out. Are there any markings to show it's the original one? It says Delco on it. Is it worth it to have them fix it or just get a new one.

 

You don't say what year and model you're talking about, but it's likely anything you buy will be remanufactured, anyway. If you can get the one you have rebuilt, why not do it?

 

Even if it isn't original, I've had better success with local independent rebuilders. If one is reasonably convenient, go there and tell them you want yours rebuilt and call me when it's done.

Good luck!!!

 

It's a 72 cutlass. I'd never throw out anything original. But would put it on a shelf if buying a used is way cheaper. But still wondering if anything would point that is original. I doubt it but want to confirm.

 

Find any markings, numbers, whatever, take some photos, and post them here. Something like that may have a date code or something similar.

 

I have noticed that all the reman starters don't have the mounting hole for the reinforcement strap on the outboard side. Both my '68 and '69 starters didn't have the mounting hole for the strap that connects to the engine block. Though I have the strap, I can never install it until I get the right starter.


Maybe '72 doesn't have that. Check a Service or Overhaul Manual for your year. If it has the mounting hole it could possibly be original or a very old reman.

 

When I was a kid the original starter went out on my 70 Cutlass. I went to NAPA and asked to have it rebuilt. The guys laughed at me, said the normal order of business was to trade it for a remanufactured starter and be on my way. My question was, well, could I have this one rebuilt if I wanted to? He laughed some more. I went and got a reman starter from someplace else. And now, all these years later, people are having their starters rebuilt instead of giving them up as cores. I wish I could find that guy.

 

You want to find the guy that rebuilds delco - remy starters & olds water pumps ??

Pleased to meet you !

Previously when you turned your old unit in you recieved one of equal quality , in rebuilt , working order ....may not have been correct part # as rebuilders didn't care but now quality of unit received pales in comparison to any oem part turned in as a core
I always recommen rebuilding ones original device as replaceing it can be quite the undertakeing

I have a good many units in stock & considder other items in place of non - existant cores....alternators / carbs...ect
I buy cores even if Your not having anything rebuilt on occasion depending on the item & an immediate / future need.

If man that told you about starter rebuilds was standing behind a mile of books , thats just how it was....I noticed that new starters cost $60 & tax on your core was stolen & never returned & better part of the day was shot in the *** watching that guy look through that mile of books so I started collecting them..
I figured they would come in handy to me , but thanks to interchangability , they are beneficial to others as well....& because I collected / saved from scrap , more than my fair share , I can get others their correct parts back on their cars...within last 2 weeks , a 70 GS & 69 H/O recieved the correct starters...rebuilt & good for years of service...


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Oem delco remy starters have part # stamped in them 110xxxx and date code after that...that is how to determine starters possibly , or more likely , definatly not the cars original
Their are 3 people who have their cars original starter & Fred Flintstone is one.....

1" depth of reduced diam of motors housing is one of the easily identifying characteristics of delcos mid 70s & prior cases or main frames
Newer units are much more pronounced
The starter brace hole location is diffrent between various brands & have seen 3 holes in a single case for braces

Solenoids are of noticeably lesser quality than the # delco units originaly on cars as well & I believe the end frames - nose cones are as well
If you have your original rebuilt your ahead of the game & will have less worries , although I had to give my "it'll be there eventually " talk to the the 69H/O starter recipient whos unit is 4 days out... With tracking # & no explination....from carrier...was glad the 70 GS man drove from Flint & got his in person...strange that they dont want to see their rebuilt. Starter work....but they have to see the digits...