New Starter for 92 K2500, 5.7L?

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92GMCK2500

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92 K2500 (LD), 5.7L TBI, Auto

The stater motor is acting up on my truck. Before I pull the parts cannon trigger, i have a couple of questions.

1. What is the difference between:
A. Permanent Magnet Planetary Gear Reduction?
Or
B. Wound Field Direct Drive?

Is one superior than the other? I have read on another thread where PMGR is suggested. Will either fit my truck?

2. Upon a RockAuto search, i am seeing that the standard replacement power rating is 1.4hp. In others experience, is that sufficient? Or am i better off going with a higher powered unit?

3. What about the install? It'll be my first time. Easy as un-bolting the old starter and reinstalling the new one in its place? same cable/wiring routing of course.

I plan to run new cables while i am in there.

Thanks in advance ya'll!
 

454cid

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Permanent magnets are like big refrigerator magnets. Wound field are electro-magnets..... the wire wrapped around a nail and then connected to a battery, that you probably did as a kid.

The permanent magnet starters are the newer technology and are the better choice in my opinion. They're usually more powerful, much smaller and easier to handle.

You'll need the proper starter bolts if switching to the PMGR from the larger direct drive starter. Others here can give specific recommendations.

Typically a starter is simply a remove and replace job. I've never had to shim one, and yes the wires should just swap over in this case.

I wouln't replace the cables unless you know they're bad. I'd just clean them up and re-use them.... unless you can see acid has traveled down the inside, then yes definitely replace.
 

92GMCK2500

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Thanks man. Good info, makes sense to me. Sounds like the PMGR route is the way to go.

I'll start looking at finding the replacement bolts for converting over...
 

GoToGuy

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It's generally original style starter the one we have grown up with. And now new applied technology known as "Gear Reduction" starter. Most poeple would not catch on to motor design, but will know direct oe style versus a gear reduction starter.
 

454cid

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Those are both listed for my truck, which has the PMGR from the factory, but I have a 454..... I THINK that would be correct for your truck, but I'm not 100 sure. I think there were two different bolt patterns for the PMGR.... hoping someone will come along and verify this for you. I have never switched styles before.
 

92GMCK2500

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Thanks. The parts I linked are for a 94 K1500, same engine etc but a little newer that they listed PMGR as a option. RA didn't list the PMGR as a option in 92


Calling @Schurkey ? Lol
 

Erik the Awful

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Gear reduction starters are superior. I don't know of any good reason to run a direct drive starter. If you do run a direct drive, be sure and put the brace on the front of the starter. Otherwise the weight of it has been known to crack blocks if the engine kicks back.

If you have one of the little tin head shields on your starter's solenoid, don't throw it away. They're chintzy, but they're fairly effective.

The factory starter wiring is adequate at best. Put thirty years of wear on your truck and it's insufficient. It's your call. 2 gauge wire ought to be enough - I think the factory wire was 4 gauge.
 

454cid

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If you have one of the little tin head shields on your starter's solenoid, don't throw it away. They're chintzy, but they're fairly effective.

Unfortunately, the new AC Delco gear reduction starter won't accommodate the factory heat shield. It may be possible to modify it, but I didn't try, I just left if off. Last I knew it was availble through Rockauto, too.
 

92GMCK2500

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Cheers Erik. My wiring is indeed 30 years old, covered in oil and road grime. Replacing it would be proavtive.

Anyone have experience going from old style to mini starter and/or encountered the different bolt patterns?
 
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