Aftermarket Starters

Back in the day, in order to start the ignition on an internal combustion engine, it would need to be “cranked”. The term, “cranked”, is exactly that: external physical force is exerted on the crank which, in turn, initiates the internal movement within the engine to allow for continuous combustion. The crank turns the crankshaft which raises and lowers the pistons and valves. Spark is applied to the fuel which is sprayed into the combustion chamber and the explosions within create internal inertia to sustain the cycle. This was often a troublesome and exhaustive method that was not always reliable and definitely not safe to do. In 1896, the first electric starter was invented by H.J. Dowsing. It was implemented on the Arnold, England’s version of the Benz Velo and one of England’s very first motor cars. In 1903, Clyde J. Coleman invented America’s first starter and soon thereafter, electric starters were being used as a convenience feature for high-end luxury vehicles such as the 1912 Cadillac Model 30. Chrysler’s later innovation on the electric starter eventually led to the now-commonplace key/ignition combo switch that we are familiar with today. Electric starters and starter motors are standard equipment on most vehicles from cars, trucks, SUVs, even motorcycles and powersports vehicles. We sometimes take for granted the specific task that this piece of equipment must perform, as well as the heavy wear and tear that it endures. A starter can go bad because it’s actually the component that takes the most abuse during ignition. Bad starters can create a whole myriad of driveability problems but fortunately, replacement is not difficult. Discount Starter & Alternator sells brand new, aftermarket, OEM-spec starters and starter motors for a wide range of vehicles, engines, power equipment, and heavy-duty machines. We specialize in aftermarket motorcycle starters and aftermarket ATV starters, car starters and automotive starters, and parts for starters. Browse our extensive online inventory and buy replacement starters at Discount Starter & Alternator.

Think you’ve got an engine starter that’s getting ready to give up the ghost? Before you replace it, check to see if you really need a new one. If you haven’t tested a starter before, we’ll show you how with our how-to guides on bench testing a starter, bench testing a single-post starter with Bendix drive, and testing a starter without a solenoid.