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4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 09 Oct 2018 09:46
by iandvl
Folkses,

I'm trying to source a new starter motor from my connections for someone with starter motor issues. But I'm not very confused. I've been told the 4.5 and 4.8 starter motors are identical / interchangeable. However, using my VIN numbers for both 4.5 and 4.8 starters, it seems as if there are differences.

The 4.5 starter motor is part number 23300-VB000. I know this from my stripping of the thing following issues in Bots a few years ago (thread: http://patrol4x4.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=7051). This is also confirmed on Part Souq via my 4.5's VIN number.

The 4.8 starter motor is part number 23300-VC201. I know this from JP sending a photo of his starter motor to me recently. Also confirmed on Part Souq via my 4.8's VIN number.

Images on PartSouq also indicate that the starter pinion gear on the 4.5 is considerably longer than the 4.8 (highlighted red on the images below).
4.5 Starter Motor
4.5 Starter Motor
45.png (189.35 KiB) Viewed 6622 times
4.8 Starter Motor
4.8 Starter Motor
48.png (172.18 KiB) Viewed 6622 times
I seem also to recall that Graham told me that the motors are not interchangeable, although several people have told me they are. The strange part is that digging through Google in terms of automotive parts, there are several drop-in replacement starter motors which claim that they are drop in replacements for both VB000 and VC201 starters. But I am now starting to get very clueless.

Is there somebody who knows whether they are interchangeable or not before I go and order things which might be incorrect ?

If not, I'll rip out the 4.8's starter motor next weekend and drop in my 4.5's spare starter motor and see whether it works.

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 13 Oct 2018 06:35
by Michael
Interesting post Ian and seems like a well worth thing to investigate.

Just had a quick look on Patrolapart, they sell the starter with the short pinion as the replacement starter for the TB42, TB45 and TB48 with a side note that you just have to check the plug on the starter as they can differ.

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 13 Oct 2018 06:41
by Michael
One other thing I just spotted. When using the VIN of a facelift 4.8 AT on Partsouq I get another part number.
But interestingly, it gives both your and JP's starter part numbers as substitutions........ so should work

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 13 Oct 2018 08:02
by Tinus lotz
I have fitted a 4.5 starter to my 2003 4.8 at when my starter packed up groot seun had some ones spare in his garrage and we used it while we were looking for spares for my original one

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 15 Oct 2018 09:12
by iandvl
Thanks Michael and Tinus. I'll do an experiment at some point when I have the time.

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 18 Jan 2019 08:33
by iandvl
The 4.8 starter recently started acting up. Pulled the motor and swapped out the brushes with the brush kit in my spare 4.5 starter whilst waiting for a spare.

Ordered a spare locally for the princely sum of R2,300 for a Eurolek part. However, I came across some interesting part numbers.

Nissan part numbers:
4.5 Starter: 23300 BV000
4.8 Starter: 23300 VC201

Bosch part number:
F042004064

Eurolek part number:
DA23300-VB000

After replacing the 4.8 motor with the new one, and stripping both VB000 and the old VC201 starters I now have spare, I can actually see no difference between them at all. From my examination of them, the brushes are identical. As are the reduction gears. As is the commutator. Even the pinion gear is exactly the same length.

In short, it seems as if the 4.5 starter can be used as a drop in replacement for the 4.8 and visa versa.

Additionally, looking at the generic Euroloek part number, the documentation indicates that it is a drop in replacement for all petrol variants. 4.2, 4.5 and 4.8.

Anyways, I guess that clarifies everything.

Re: 4.5 vs 4.8 Starter

Posted: 20 Jan 2019 10:17
by Pieter B
Thanks Ian. I'm looking to buy one as a spare. Very useful info. Thanks