Pneumatic vs. 12vdc starters for 8V71...

[opus]

Don4107, "a cup in the intake"?  LOL, you are showing your age friend!  Sadly I am too.....

[Bill B /bus]

When we had the Buffalo the starters lasted 3-4 years. With the wet clutch you could not shift into first from neutral without a massive grind. So start, build air then shut off, shift into first then restart. Had lot of wear on starters.
I agree with the troubleshooting suggestions: verify correct model of starter, check voltage on starting (at the starter post).

Good luck
Bill

[chessie4905]

  Don't  crank it for 60 seconds. You are asking for problems to crop up. If it takes that long to start, either use the heater or use lighter oil in winter. You could use ether, as long as the engine doesn't have starting "issues"all the time.

[OneLapper]

The engine fires up easily, but I rarely use ether even when I probably should.  I guess I'm guilty of cranking it too long in the cooler weather.  This winter I'll get the Webasto plumbed inline with the engine.  I have all the parts, just need the time.

[technomadia]

We haven't had any problems with our starter, but with our engine out and apart now is probably the time to look at it getting it overhauled or at least closely looked over.

Is there anything to keep in mind when doing so?

Our starter is actually the most rust encrusted part of the entire engine - I'm not even sure I can decipher the model number on the stamped plate.

When is it better to replace versus overhaul?

Picture attached.

   - Chris

[OneLapper]

We haven't had any problems with our starter, but with our engine out and apart now is probably the time to look at it getting it overhauled or at least closely looked over.

Is there anything to keep in mind when doing so?

When is it better to replace versus overhaul?

Picture attached.

   - Chris

Hi Chris!  Long time follower of your adventures, btw!  I dare say that right NOW is the best time ever to have the starter rebuilt.  What's $200 right now??? What a royal PITA to change out the starter on our 4106s.  If you haven't had any stater issues I recommend having the one on the engine rebuilt.  My issues are partly because I have no fear and will drive 1000 mile north into Canada in January.  Or cruise up to Vermont for BBQ, again in the dead of winter. 

Good luck with your project!   If you were in my neck of the woods we'd be rolling that 8v71 out in no time flat, dragging it down to Performance Diesel and helping Jim Mango build you any flavor 8V71 you want.  40 yrs experience and $65 per hour cash.   Don't tell anyone though. 

[wg4t50]

Everyone has a different take, my take is after 20 years & over 250Kmiles on the same untouched MT40 Delco in the 8V-71, 12V-71 and the 8V-92, I don't get it.  How could anyone screw up a MT40 starter ?,, Lets see, low battery voltage, crank until you melt the solder on the armature, and sling the solder out ? , Geez, total amazement, maybe its time to fix the problem beforeyou need a starter. Nothing starts quicker than a mechanical DD IF it has compression, maybe a 3208 Cat, they are QUICK start engines too.  The bright bulbs think using either is the answer to their problem, it mostly weakens the comression rings, requiring more either.
Of course some have no understanding for the little things like starters, so they just get melted down.
ALSO, not all rebuild shops do even a half way job on rebuilding, most just fix the issue, and paint it,calling it rebuilt.  That is crap, a proper rebuilder never paints the starter and you can read the info plate/sticker and ti will appear nearly new.
Would ask around who/where for a proper rebuild, not a fix & paint. Yes, I am aware of the spray can rebuilds, engines, electrical, you name it. beware.
Cheers