Yeah, here we'd call them a wrecker.
I have one of those on the shelf for when I next remove the starter cover. It's been there for a few years now.
They're currently available for <$OZ100 shipped.
Would still be good to have a list of the cars regardless.
I have seen individual mentions of these over the years but never a comprehensive list. I someone had the time to do the research, I guess one could be compiled... unfortunately, at the moment I don't have that much free time. I have read that the Bosch motor was used on the contemporary 3 litre straight six BMW engine and that the Valeo was used on some contemporary Renaults but I've never tried it.
One point about the Valeo is that there are two outwardly identical motors with very similar reference numbers which rotate in opposite directions. This is important to know whether you are sourcing a new motor or spare parts.
My take has always been that the vast majority of ailing starters are imminently repairable. Problems are normally associated with Brushes, Bushes, solenoid and pinion. All of these parts are available as replacements (so far). Bearing in mind that any second hand unit is likely to need these things done anyway, I reckon I can refurbish 95% of starters to effectively as new condition for a fraction of the price of a new or second hand replacement.
As a policy, it's worked for me so far... I don't think I've ever purchased new starter for any bike or car I've owned.
The nature of rotation of the starter bit Matt Parkhouse in the past year when he was trying to resolve an issue with timing marks on an Airhead. I don't remember all the details and things he tried, but in the end he discovered that an Oilhead starter had been installed in the Airhead. They rotate different directions but externally the starters are identical. I think that the Oilhead starter is mounted with the starter pinion located to the front of the bike whereas for the Airhead, that pinion is pointing aft.
The oilhead starters do, indeed mount 'backwards' compared to the airhead. I'm very surprised that it would fit... the nose flanges look completely different.
