auto TDI starter on 1.6 020 tranny....

[jimbote]

just like the title sez....it works!!!....I was shop floor testing my freshly built 1.6 TD late yesterday and my "good" 1.6 starter turned out fubar....so I had a left over auto starter from my last MKIV manual swap....Hmmm these look compatable....bolts up exactly the same with the same drop down tab....works great!!!.....I guess this would be a good fix if your starter shaft bushing in the trans case was severely worn....just thought I would pass this on

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

What year TDI?

[jimbote]

98 to 2004 beetle, 99.5 to 2004 jetta...but to answer your question specifically the starter I used was from a 2001 jetta TDI automatic....auto starter only will work as the snout projection on the manual starters would be too long....later years may work but I have not seen anything newer than a 2004....

[RabbitJockey]

extremely interesting

[Ziptar]

Very interesting..... The TDI Auto starter is gear reduction If memory serves correctly.

Even more interesting..... When I checked Car-Part.com to see if there were any close by and how much they are it pulls up a whole slew of 6cyl Auto Starters. Seems they interchange. Or do they?? Also says a yard 11 miles away has 3 for $19 each (V6 ones)

So, if you were floor testing I would think you would have heard lots of crunchy noises if the  teeth weren't meshing well.

[jimbote]

absolutely no strange noises when I floor tested it....sounded perfectly normal....and very interesting that a V6 starter is the same....would that be a VR6?

[Smokey Eddy]

I wonder if the longevity is greater on those bad boys

[Ziptar]

I would say the longevity is much longer on a gear reduction starter and it'll crank stronger and longer too..

Seems not only will the later GR starters work but, Bosch is going that exact route with rebuilds and subing them for the 95-92 Golf/Jetta MT Cars.

I looked up starters for a 1991 Jetta Diesel, 97 Passat V6 AT, and a 97 Passat TDI at AutoHaus Arizona. They all list a Bosch SR34X as the replacement for each, the description shows the gear reduction starter, along with a little note:

For models with automatic transmission. Due to recent upgrade supercession by Bosch, replacement units do not utilize the extended support post shaft so may look different than existing unit and our current image.

http://www.autohausaz.com....partnumber=SR34X


MJM Autohaus also lists something similar:

NOTE: For use with both manual and automatic transmissions on different models. Please see application guide below for correct fitment.

This product fits:

    * 1998-2000 Eurovan VR6 (A/T)
    * 1992-1995 Corrado VR6 (A/T)
    * 1992-1996 Eurovan 2.5L (A/T)
    * 1992-1997 Passat TDI/VR6 (A/T)
    * 1985-1992 Golf/Jetta Diesel (M/T)

but, the picture in their description is the old direct drive starter.

I'd say pretty safe to say that not just the TDI Auto starters will work but the VR6 Auto will too (as long as it is gear reduction). Which is nice, because that makes them plentiful, cheap :lol: and no more bushing to worry about.

With winter on it's way maybe I'll run down next weekend and pick up one of the $19 starters near by and put it on before it snows.

[jimbote]

Sweet....got a buddy raleigh that may have a few of these lying around.... he used to be heavy into the VR6 scene....i'm gonna give him a buzz!!!

[burn_your_money]

Ziptar, both those starters you posted pictures/link to are gear reduction. The smaller diameter mk2 starters are all gear reduction. It's either 3:1 or 4:1. I counted when I had mine apart but I forget now.