[Road America]

10 years ago or so I replaced the starter on my 65 1800 with a Bosch gear reduction starter. That has worked out real well and now I would like to put one in my 544 too.
I remember I got it at NAPA, but I don't remember any part numbers, or what car it was designed for. A later model Volvo, I think. If I go to NAPA now, they will want to know what car or a part number.
Does anyone know anything about this - what to ask for?
Thanks
Jim S.

 

[Ron Kwas]

Jim;

Ask for a Starter for a 240...the planetary gearbox should be pretty apparent...also, to verify, compare the OD of what they give you with the OD of the original Starter. Since the 240 Starter also has permanent magnet field, it does not need the the bulky field coils, and can be made skinnier. I don't have precise dimensions, but I think you get my point.

Cheers

 

[142 Guy]

The original Bosch starter motor used on the B20 was the SR37. The Bosch permanent magnet starter motor used on the 240, 740, 760, 940 .... is the SR37X and is pretty much a drop in fit on the B20 other than the threaded metric bolt holes on the mounting ears. I have no experience with pre B20 engines; but, if the existing starter on your 544 is an SR37 then the SR37X should fit. If you need a specific model year to search for a part, try 1987 Volvo 745 turbo (my old car which had an SR37X). Be aware that you may also get a hit on the Bosch SR437X. I think it cross fits (I think it is a little longer); but, it is a 1.4 kw starter as opposed to the 1.1 kw SR37X and not really necessary for a B18 or B20.

 

[Road America]

Thanks a lot guys, that should do it. Tomorrow - I'll be off to do a little shopping!

 

[142 Guy]

I have to make a correction. I went back and looked at my car and what I have is marked SR437X. It looks like SR37X is the original starter and SR437X is the gear reduction permanent magnet starter that you want.

Check out RockAuto. You should be able to do a part # search using sr437X. That is where I picked up a genuine Bosch SR437X rebuild for my 142 6 years ago for around $150 Cdn delivered to my doorstep. I expect prices have increased since then.

 

[Road America]

Thanks 142 Guy, I had already ordered it, but now it's re-ordered, no problem. Should be here tomorrow, they said.
I ordered a Optima red top too. That little 544 will spin over now!
Jim S.

 

[vintagewrench]

We installed a SR437X gear reduction starter in our '67 1800s a couple of months ago and it spins the engine much faster than the OEM starters ever did in 1800-120 series cars. Restarts with the engine which has an electronic ignition system when warm are almost instantaneous.

 

[142 Guy]

The SR 437X is a multiple barreled shot in the arm. Aside from the fact that for the same input voltage it generates more torque, it draws less current than the SR 37X. Less current means less internal voltage drop in the battery and on the connection from the battery to the starter. That means that under the same starting conditions the terminal voltage on the SR 437X is higher than on the SR 37X which also contributes to higher torque and cranking speed. Less internal voltage drop in the battery means that the ignition coil voltage is higher during cranking which results in a slightly hotter spark during cranking.

As an extra bonus, the SR437X weighs about 1/2 that of the SR37X so the car is quicker. As a weight reduction strategy the $ cost per lb lost for a rebuilt SR 437X is probably one of the lowest possible options.