The starter motors fitted to HK, HT and HG Holden vehicles were designed to deliver reliable engine cranking for both six-cylinder and V8 engines. These units use a solenoid-actuated drive mechanism that engages the starter pinion with the flywheel ring gear while supplying battery power to the motor. Several different starter motors were used across the range, including Bosch and Lucas units on six-cylinder engines and Delco Remy units on V8 models.
Six Cylinder Starter Motor Specifications
HK, HT and HG six-cylinder engines used either Bosch or Lucas starter motors depending on production equipment.
Bosch starter
• Model: U-GF (R) 12VIPS
• Type: Four pole, four brush
• Output: 1 horsepower
• Rotation: Clockwise (drive end view)
• Engine cranking speed: approximately 150 rpm
Brush spring tension
• Bosch: 42 – 46 oz
• Lucas: 38 – 42 oz
Armature shaft bushings
• Self-lubricating type
Lock test
• Current draw: approximately 430 amps
• Voltage: 7.0 volts
• Minimum torque: 15 lb-ft
No-load test
• Current draw: 40 – 55 amps
• Voltage: 12 volts
• Speed: approximately 5000 rpm
Starter drive
• Engagement type: Solenoid actuated screw push pinion shaft with overrunning clutch
• Pinion location: Front
Pinion and flywheel data
• Pinion teeth: 9
• Flywheel ring gear teeth: 137
• Gear ratio: 15.2:1
Solenoid test values
• Pull-in voltage: 7.5 volts maximum
• Hold-in voltage: 1.0 volt maximum
V8 Starter Motor Specifications
V8 engines fitted to HK, HT and HG Holden models used a Delco Remy starter motor designed to provide higher torque for the larger engines.
Delco Remy starter
• Model: 1108367
• Type: Four pole, four brush
• Brush spring tension: 35 oz
Lock test
• Current draw: 290 – 425 amps
• Voltage: 4.2 volts
No-load test
• Current draw: 49 – 87 amps
• Voltage: 10.6 volts
• Speed: 6,200 – 10,700 rpm
These starter motors were designed to deliver sufficient torque to crank the Holden V8 engines while maintaining reliable operation under normal starting conditions.
Starter motors used in HK, HT and HG Holden vehicles are generally very durable, but worn brushes, damaged wiring or poor electrical connections can eventually lead to reduced cranking performance. Correct testing and adjustment according to the workshop specifications is essential when diagnosing starting system faults.
While this guide helps identify common engine problems, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct provide the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when these vehicles were new.