Does anyone know what the difference between these two Hitachi starters are? They both seem to show up as compatible with my 97, with the latter one being priced lower...

STR0015 vs W0133-2103118

 

They might have a different number of teeth. 11 teeth is preferred and probably more expensive.

 

Perhaps a link to those starters would be helpful so we could look at them. The Hitachi model number used by Nissan is S114-801B. Neither of those numbers are Hitachi numbers, so more info would be helpful.

 

Here is the link to an eBay post with the W0133-2103118:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitachi-Sta...a408%7Ciid%3A1

Here is the one for the STR0015:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitachi-STR...0AAOSw-UpdIWX3


Partsgeek shows them in different areas, but list for the same vehicle:
https://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?ssq=STR0015&year=1997
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/19...?brand=hitachi

 

Call Hitachi direct in CA and ask them which models fit and which they would put in their own cars.

JCW says New. The second on eBay says New. (although it's remanufactured) The others say Remanufactured. Get the right info from the only ones that can really answer the question. Hitachi direct.

As far as starters and alternators from Hitachi... The first two letters describe the part and the third when it says "R" means REMANUFACTURED.

Like the Alternator ALR0011. Or STR0015

I'm highly suspect of Hitachi selling anything new for 20+ year old cars. In fact the PartsGeek page for the W0133-2103118 says New for condition, but under Notes:.... says: OE Replacement - Reman.......... Call Hitachi. Ask which model they rebrand with a different label for Nissan to sell.

And RockAuto has the STR0015 for less than PG. And offers a 5% discount. And any time you buy a remanufactured, you must pay more and return the old one to get back the "Core" charge.

 

Just an FYI on this 10 tooth and 11 tooth debate ...

I’ve got a BNIB (as in not remaned) 11 tooth starter on the shelf in the garage. It’s sitting there because my car won’t use it. It doesn’t work. The starter technically functions fine, but the 11 toothed pinion gear simply grinds on the fly wheel/drive plate and can’t engage.

Ive tried two ... neither will work.

The 10 tooth starters present no issues.

 

The long part number W0133 is a Worldpac part number. Worldpac is a distributor of auto parts.
The short part number STR0015 is Hitachi's part number for their aftermarket line.
Both are the same starter.

 

Thank you everyone for the insight. I've started getting another intermittent start issue again with an eBay starter so was thinking of just grabbing a Hitachi unit.

 

I just replaced my starter 2 months ago. The original was an 11 tooth starter. I found an 11 tooth replacement and it starts perfectly. Might depend on the car?

 

You honestly might be right.

Over the the years I’ve found that my car possesses a number of bits and pieces from the 5th Gen.

I wonder if my drive plate is also.