C5 X7 2.0 RHH starter

[xf1ref]

Hello all,

The original starter was showing sing of death. Dismantled completely and the only issue is at brass bushes.
I have ordered a new one from AS because now I don't have time to refurbish the original.
The problem is...or maybe is not the original has 13 teeth and the new one only 10 teeth. I was ready to return it, but after measuring the distance between middle hole and the tip of the teeth I saw that is the same.
Should I return the starter?

[moizeau]

The pitch between the teeth must be different if there are a different number but the same diameter. I would say return but wait for further advice.

[Paul-R]

I would tend to agree with you as I can't see how the pitch of the teeth could be the same with a different number of teeth.

However...
Many years ago, when I was involved in classic cars, Lucas replaced a 9 tooth pinion with a 10 tooth pinion (might have been the other way round) on one of their inertia starter motors. I queried this with the rep and he assured me that it worked but couldn't explain why or how. And, to be fair, we never had a problem in practice. But that was just a single tooth difference.

[moizeau]

Yep, same on my '73 Landy, Lucas 9 and 10, but 10 and 13 seems too much.

[xf1ref]

Good news, the new one is working even if the different number of teeth because the shaft is deviated to compensate the smaller size of the gear This is not refurbished and can be purchased without old part. The new one is made by AS, series S0550.
Now the engine starts very very fast. I will search the bronze bushes for the original because all inside is good except the bushes.

[Paul-R]

Very interesting to know. Glad it fitted without a problem.