Is this starter battery cable lug too close to the block? Dakota mini starter on a 440.

[Nismobishi]

Hello,
I installed this Dakota starter on my 440 about a year ago. It works great and I have not had any problems but I always wonder if my battery cable is too close to the block. I know they make a relocation adapter for the cables. I did not use one. I just removed the block that came on the starter and connected the cable using the shorter nut that was used to hold the adapter on.

Its about 1/8" away from touching the block. I just worry that if it ever came loose maybe the cable could rotate just enough to make contact with the block and short out. Am I worrying too much about it? Should I get the relocation kit?

 

[Kern Dog]

You could wedge in a piece of plastic if it worries you.
I have a similar condition with 2 of my cars. I've been concerned too but with the cable secure, it has been fine. I also have my cable coming in from the other side from the firewall forward.

 

[Geoff 2]

Grind off some of the lug on that side...

 

[kiwigtx]

Grind off some of the lug on that side...

Or get the correct sized lug to begin with.

 

[493 Mike]

12-14 volts can't jump much of a gap.
Mike

 

[R/T Boy 67]

You don't want it rubbing up against the other terminal either.

 

[Nismobishi]

Or get the correct sized lug to begin with.

Its more about the lug location on this starter. What do you mean by getting the correct sized lug?

 

[Nismobishi]

Here are some better pictures. There is also about a 1/8" gap between the 2 terminals. If it were you, would you leave it or get the relocation kit?

 

[Kern Dog]

It is easy for those of us with nothing to lose to tell you to not worry.
I've had a few different mini starters in the big block cars. They came with a bolt on offset terminal adapter, I run without one to keep the cables closer to the block and away from the header.
I know that it is tight up in there. You can't simply wrap it with tape. you're sort of stuck either buying a different starter or trying to convince yourself that you will be fine.
My car looks similar and I am not worried about it.

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

I would just buy and use a Dakota starter lug relocation kit.

They around $12 and it make life easier. I have them on all of my Dakota starters.

Tom

 

[icetech]

It's "Probably" fine.. but i'm a worrier... it's $12 and 20 minutes to fix it and never worry again....

 

[451Mopar]

Look on E-bay for the relocation kit. Individually they are closer to $20 with shipping. To get the lower price I think you need to buy a couple at a time.
I think I bought 5 kits at one time to get the lower price.