How long does/can a starter last?

[78SilvAnniv]

My starter died yesterday. Just UP and DIED.

I started it up in the garage, and didn't feather the gas and she died. Turned the key and got a whole lotta NOTHING! Lights, gauges, fan et cetera came on, but no noises under the hood.

Do starters go out suddenly like this or do you usually get warning signs? We had one that suffered heat-soak problems but this one had a shield installed when it was put on.

Bought a starter last night and Kenny installed it this AM before he went to work. Wanted to know the average life of a starter. This one that died was installed in 1992, about 150k miles ago.

Is this excessive life or average life for a starter?
Heidi

 

[JonM]

I would say built in obsolescence is about 75 to 80 thousand miles.

My starter died yesterday. Just UP and DIED.

I started it up in the garage, and didn't feather the gas and she died. Turned the key and got a whole lotta NOTHING! Lights, gauges, fan et cetera came on, but no noises under the hood.

Do starters go out suddenly like this or do you usually get warning signs? We had one that suffered heat-soak problems but this one had a shield installed when it was put on.

Bought a starter last night and Kenny installed it this AM before he went to work. Wanted to know the average life of a starter. This one that died was installed in 1992, about 150k miles ago.

Is this excessive life or average life for a starter?
Heidi

 

[Edmond]

I would agree with Jon. Sometimes, they just go out with no warning and you're stuck somewhere!:L

 

[JonM]

I would agree with Jon. Sometimes, they just go out with no warning and you're stuck somewhere!:L

Just look at the warranty...add 10K or 6 months to it...and you have your average life expectancy.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

13 years and 150,000 miles sounds about fair to me. Even with the shield they get a lot of heat exposure.

 

[Edmond]

Just look at the warranty...add 10K or 6 months to it...and you have your average life expectancy.

What's the life expentancy when they give you a lifetime warranty?:L

 

[markone]

Hi, 150,000 miles out of a starter is fantastic. My experience has generally been anywhere from 75 to 95K miles.

markone

 

[JonM]

What's the life expentancy when they give you a lifetime warranty?:L

Revert back to the cars life expectancy...Its like Vegas...they have the edge (always)

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Well, it looks like I got double the expected lifetime with this one that recently gave up the ghost. I can only hope to be so lucky again...
Heidi

 

[Vettefan87]

I would just imagine it would all depend on how hot the starter gets, and for how long it is that hot.

 

[pgtr]

Revert back to the cars life expectancy...Its like Vegas...they have the edge (always)

Great Question! Great Answer!

 

[lucky76]

What does miles have to do with it? It's how many times you start the engine that matters.

 

[Daryllawman]

Heidi mount that one and hang it on the wall.....It has been a great one....

 

[78SilvAnniv]

What does miles have to do with it? It's how many times you start the engine that matters.

You're right, but I drive this vette a lot. Those miles are put on while doing my running around town, shopping, driving to/with friends, parts runs and anything else I can think of that will get me out for a drive. The miles aren't just drive to work / drive home from work once a day, there are usually many trips in a day.
Heidi

ps, for $18 core I turned that puppy back in and hope it gives someone else 13 years of trouble free starts!

 

[JonM]

What does miles have to do with it? It's how many times you start the engine that matters.

Heat kills electrical components...the starter is located right next to the exhaust. You also have the heat from the road.

 

[Edmond]

I think their math people have figured out that you start the car an average amount of times and then drive an average number of miles and therefore come to a life expectancy. Although I am getting a 92% in statistics right now, I don't consider myself a mathematician.:L:L:L