Starters swappable?

[thedean]

This setup may sound a little weird but I currently have a m20b25 mated to a 325e transmission. I was using a m20b25 starter with these combo. The starter solenoid just went out on the m20b25 starter and I have a spare 325e starter.

The 325e starter looks larger will it still swap? I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't the m20b25 block and m20b27 blocks should be the same externally, and especially since I'm already running the 325e tranny. I guess the only reason I'm asking is because the actual starter looks bigger to me.

[riceh8r]

shouldn't take long to bolt it up and see.

[SpecM]

i'm 95% sure they are the same

or at least interchangable

[jlevie]

The starters may be the same. The only difference would the that late model (after 8/87) M20B25 starters have an unloader switch in the solenoid.

[thedean]

The starters may be the same. The only difference would the that late model (after 8/87) M20B25 starters have an unloader switch in the solenoid.

Unloaders?

[jlevie]

Late model starters (from 9/87) have an unloader switch in the starter solenoid. The switch grounds the unloader relays when the starter isn't engaged. When the starter is engaged the relays open to eliminate any loads from the HVAC system, power windows, etc. You can use a late model starter in an early car, because the car isn't configured for the unloader switch. But if you use an early starter in a late model car the HVAV, windows, etc., will be disabled.

[thedean]

Late model starters (from 9/87) have an unloader switch in the starter solenoid. The switch grounds the unloader relays when the starter isn't engaged. When the starter is engaged the relays open to eliminate any loads from the HVAC system, power windows, etc. You can use a late model starter in an early car, because the car isn't configured for the unloader switch. But if you use an early starter in a late model car the HVAV, windows, etc., will be disabled.

Thanks. Good info to know! Saved me putting in a starter and not having power windows etc...