Starter? 40MT versus 44MT?

[Low Class]

Recently had a no start.  Hammer to solenoid got it going and made it home.  Got the 40 out and put on scales---65#.  Should I have the 40 rebuilt or forget it and go with a new 44?

I can get the 44 for $445 + $22 ship.  Delco says it weighs 39#.

Cost to rebuild 40 is unknown, but guess in $200 range.  Also, I do not think that I can reinstall the heavy monster myself, so at least another $100 or more to hire it done.  I think I can install the 44 myself.  Another "pro" for the 44 is the next time it needs to be removed.

Is the 44 proving to be as good as the ads claim?  Anyone know of a lower price than the above?

I am not wealthy, far from it, but sometimes it seems best to do it right the first time.  Let me hear your opinions.

[luvrbus]

You don't need the 44 a 39 mt will spin a 8v92 the 39-12volt cost 239.95 new @ Blanchard Electric in Seattle www.blanchardelectric.com

[Lin]

I had my 40mt starter rebuilt a while back.  Getting it out and back in was a real nuisance due to the weight.  It would not have be a bad idea to have switched to the 39mt or 44mt at the time.  If it ever happens again, I probably will.

[luvrbus]

There is no difference between the 39Mt and 44mt except the 44 has a planetary soft start and a rotating nose cone which means 1 starter fits all, the 39 has a soft start just not a planetary style it's not worth the price difference for a bus owner IMO

[RJ]

There is no difference between the 39Mt and 44mt except the 44 has a planetary soft start and a rotating nose cone which means 1 starter fits all, the 39 has a soft start just not a planetary style it's not worth the price difference for a bus owner IMO

Clifford -

Do you know if the 39MT is available in a LH configuration?

[wg4t50]

One sign of being over the hill, my starter world was the MT-40 & MT-50, these new numbers, I have no idea. 

[Scott Crosby]

When I put my starter back on The engine I had my wife help me and it was really easy.  I looped a men's pants belt around the starter with the belt fed through the buckle.  The starter was on the ground behind the engine (gm bus) the leather strap went up over the back valve cover. She was able to easily hoist the starter up with the belt while I guided it up into place from under the bus.  I hooked two belts together to give me the reach but you could use a strap or even a rope to do the same thing.  Even though the starter is very heavy the hoisting type action with the tension against the engine it was super simple.  My wife doesn't work on the bus and believe me she would have complained and made me get someone else to help if it was even slightly hard.  Seriously it took 30 seconds and, near zero energy spent, we didn't even break a sweat and that starter was on the studs.  Tightening the nuts took a while but I found the a ratcheting wrench really fit in the tight spots and worked great.   

[luvrbus]

No lefties RJ only right handed

[Low Class]

luvrbus,
thanks for the money saving tip.

[RJ]

No lefties RJ, only right handed.

Bummer. . .