How do I identify the correct starter motor?

[van ordinaire]

So GSF supplied the wrong one but as they've got the old one, I don't have a pattern. Too bad my step-son didn't think to compare them when he collected it for me, but can hardly blame him. I'd probably recognise the right one if I saw it but that's not practicable.

I do remember having this problem before when Direct Car Parts gave me a choice of 3 different ones that were all listed for that application.

Bit reluctant to cut my losses & just order another one from, e.g. CP4L 'cos that'll cost me an arm & a leg - with no guarantee they'll send the right one.

Don't even mention main dealer because, given the price of, say, a Bosch one on-line, it'd probably be cheaper to buy another van - even though they do seem to have appreciated about 50% in the last 4 years.

[GiveMeABreak]

If it's for a Citroen or Peugeot post up the VIN if you want the part number. Always better to get the correct one from the Manufacturer, then do your search on the right part number rather than the other way round, as they are 80% hopeless.

[van ordinaire]

Never thought of that, far too logical for my poor, tired, little brain - but the logic's inescapable.

VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

p.s. little bit of info. since original post: the lad was met with "have you got the old one, so I can check?" - duly produced - "Yup, that's the one" No, it patently isn't; the bolt holes are wrong for one thing!

[GiveMeABreak]

Whilst you missed a 'V' out in your VIN (should be V D V V) I managed to locate it. And noew I regret it as there are over 22 to choose from!

The data on the C15 is pretty thin, and there a stack of options for the starter. Do you happen to remember the make by any chance?

Valeo
Ducellier
Mitsubishi
Bosch

Each of these then has a load of variants. There is a Class 4 or a Class 5 Starter and then these vary, so in this case - the detail for an exact match really would need to be gleaned from the details on the original. I think this is one for the few components that can vary significantly - evidently!

[van ordinaire]

Sorry about the typo Marc & I'm grateful for your efforts.

It had a replacement fitted when I got it, probably a re-con unit (new ones cost about the same as an old van!) & that was replaced by the one I've just taken off, which GSF now have, so I have no point of reference.

Seems I have a choice between abandoning the Torbay Steam Fair this year &, instead, spending the time arguing the toss with GSF or getting my money back & spending a lot more elsewhere. So much for doing it in a hurry, on the cheap!

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I've types up the data into 2 tables - PSA part numbers of the left column of each table and the description in the right.

You'll have to click on each to zoom and clarify it, but it may help you with the details. For each part number, there are several variants as you can see, so the part number is shown with a ditto.

[RichardW]

Although there's lots of makes listed, there is actually only 1 part number 5802W5 - and this covers both DW8 and XUD7 variants, at £215. So not sure how GSF have got it wrong... This starter is widely used, so there should be no difficulty in getting one - definitely go back to GSF and get it changed. On no account buy an RTX one from Eurocarparts / Carparts4less!!! There's loads on ebay if you input the cit part number, this will give you a picture to look at. Should be 3 mountings 90deg apart, 2 of which are threaded into the starter.

[Axa]

I know about the frustration with miss matching parts..
Concidering starters it can be worth sharing it can be pretty easy to make a burnt solenoid contact to work as a new again.. Just remove the solenoid and turn the exposed contact plunger just a bit to moove the contact surface to fresh cobber.. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=53767&start=15

[white exec]

There are a good few 5802W5 equivalents on Mister Auto, all below £100.
eg this Valeo at £80.90...
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/starter-m ... eo/726010/

[Michel]

So not sure how GSF have got it wrong...

Really Richard? Really?...

[van ordinaire]

OK, 1st - a big thank you all for rallying round

2nd - another starter on its way from CJF Auto Electrics, in Cannock; £59.66 outright, 2 year guarantee, free p&p, next day delivery, cheaper than changing mine at GSF - just hope it is the right one!

Now for specifics:-
GSF got it wrong, like this (at this stage I tried to copy & paste the relevant page from their website - but gave up the unequal struggle): they list 3 starters for a 2000-05 1.9 C15D (which I assumed were the same but different makes &/or quality - wrong!) There's the el cheapo (well, least expensive) one (Part No: 901PC0155), the middle price "Premium Starter Motor" (Part No: 901PC0340), almost exactly the cost of the van, & the Bosch one, which needn't concern us. I plumped for the cheapo cheapo job (retail's still about twice the price of a Remy one from Direct) Now, this is where (their) part Nos become important, when I phone GSF I'm told there's only one listed for the vehicle: . . . 340, so it's my fault I got the wrong one - because that's what I ordered! However, they would change it (subject to any price adjustment, obs) BUT, what a performance, oh - & the price adjustment (up mais naturalement) is best part of £100!

Availabilty's not the issue, it's identification (several sites I looked at warned there are multiple options for this application & to be very careful before ordering.
Thanks for the warning about RTX, although I already aware of THEIR reputation!

Looked at several on ebay but all for pre-'98's (I think) but couldn't search by part No, 'cos didn't have it then. As for pictures, those posted by any ebay shop are likely to be generic & I know interchangeable parts from different manufacturers can often look quite different, but the real problem is comparing a picture with my recollection of the appearance of the one I've removed.

Not sure about the mounting holes being as described: there are no nuts, so all 3 bolts must go into tapped holes (the wrong one only has one tapped hole, which is much smaller!)

Didn't know anyone still repairs starters, but it's not the solenoid, the motor seems to be seized solid!

I s'pose that's a good price for a Valeo unit - but then again Mr Auto doesn't have a great reputation (although I've not had a problem) AND, I can walk into a factors & get one for £70-odd.

Loved the "footnote" - no help at all BUT, did make I grin: something sadly lacking these last few days.

Thanks again, more contributions still welcome - & wish me luck for tomorrow.

So, quick update: job's done, started straight away & sat there happily (if not quietly) ticking over while I secured the battery & replaced the air cleaner, etc. All that before dinner, which is what delayed this post.
Lessons learned: don't be tempted to deal with GSF, where to go for starters (& alternators), starter is for Pug 306 1.8, 1.9 & 2.0 (according to the box) oh, & make a note of that pt. No:

All I have to now is get the bottom of the fueling issue, which is what caused the van to stop last Friday - & so reluctant to start it fried the starter (which is why I originally assumed I'd flattened the battery).