JK Starter motor differences

[Bubble Meister]

For a 1.9 wbx manual Just kampers list two starter motor types dependent on age; the change over is 1986. VW Heritage only list one type from 1986 onwards but state the part number supercedes previous. Brickwerks only list one for the 1.9 wbx manual from 1986.

What changed in 1986 and can these later motors be used for my 1985 DG with manual box?

[bigherb]

It was the connection from the alternator, early models just used a ring terminal and had a shorter stud on the starter. Later models, it was enclosed in a housing that fitted over the stud which was much longer.
You can fit a later motor in place of an early, but an early on a late would need the wiring connection modified.

[Bubble Meister]

Thanks Big Herb. I have a 1985 motor with the ring terminal. It makes sense now why the later starter supercedes the early version.

[Aidan]

All wbx had the long stud connection for the solenoid, difference between late and early is the power went up, Bosch used the same armature and body/magnets for the Montego TD which VW built the gearbox for, hence the change to the taller difflock bracket 1986 on for Syncro as the longer starter motor interfered with the difflock vacuum unit.
Many vans have a ring fitted because rebuilders of alternators used the more common short stud cap for the solenoid rather than use the correct long one and so many looms were hacked

[bigherb]

All wbx had the long stud connection for the solenoid, difference between late and early is the power went up, Bosch used the same armature and body/magnets for the Montego TD which VW built the gearbox for, hence the change to the taller difflock bracket 1986 on for Syncro as the longer starter motor interfered with the difflock vacuum unit.
Many vans have a ring fitted because rebuilders of alternators used the more common short stud cap for the solenoid rather than use the correct long one and so many looms were hacked

Montego TD and the Maestro NA used a Honda gearbox and starter motor.