Starter motor on 97 VW Polo

[Deleted User]

Anyone got a rough idea of how much it will cost to fit a new starter motor to an old 1997 VW Polo 1.4?

Looking to just get a second hand one cheap off the 'bay and get a garage/mechanic to fit it.

TrickyWicky

Unless you trust your mechanic with your life, getting them to fit a second hand part is a licence to print money. You'd be better off getting it done privately by a neighbour or car enthusiast.

Second hand parts can often be 'faulty' and the mechanic will simply go and buy another and fit it for you - adding unwanted expense but more importantly more profit for the mechie.

forgotmyname

Are you going to be happy paying the mechanic even when your car still wont start and he says the starter is crap?

Then pay him again to fit another one.

If your buying the parts then fit it yourself. If it doesnt work you only wasted some time.

[Deleted User]

Well been offered the car for £200 (maybe could get it knocked down more) but it has a dodgy starter motor. Apparently it still starts mostly though.

Might not be worth it then.

londonTiger

is the starter corrected to the auzillary or drive belt? if its drive - it's going to be a tricky job and I would leave it to experts.

[Deleted User]

Not sure. Haven't seen the car yet.

marlot

Deleted_User wrote: »

Well been offered the car for £200 (maybe could get it knocked down more) but it has a dodgy starter motor. Apparently it still starts mostly though.

Might not be worth it then.

Well it could be the starter.

Or it could be the battery, or an electrical connection (eg engine earth). Or it could be some damaged teeth on the flywheel.

I've repaired them all, but not on a polo.

westwood68

Starter motor won't be connected to the belt. It needs to provide enough torque to turn the engine against it's compression.

It'll be driving a cog directly on the driveshaft and held onto the engine casing by bolts.

1) Remove electrical connectors
2) Undo Bolts
3) Pull out the motor

Any competent mechanic should be able to do it fairly cheaply.

Best place to get a replacement is a motor factors. They will supply reconditioned motors as an exchange for your own. That way it's guaranteed to as least work (unlike a scrapper)

londonTiger

Lee, I think you should just pony up the cash to get a competant mechanic to do the diagnostics and fit a NEW starter motor.

Starter motors get replaced once or twice during the lifetime of a car. I recommend fitting a new one to make sure it lasts a while. A used one may only have a year left. It's not cost effective to put a used one for half the price of new when it will last just a year. Where a new one will last 5+ years.

kevin0410

What has happened to the men of today? Get a second hand motor, get under the car and fit the damn thing!

colino

Starter motor for a 16 year old bread van? Sounds like a fair swap.