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Best Quality Mini Starter?

EngineerDoug

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Hello,

I would like to hear from anybody who might have a favorite brand of mini starter. I have a big block and am using the common mini starter. It has failed after only a couple hours of use. It's a brand new motor, just getting tuned up and debugged. The starter was brand new and working fine. But then I was doing some tuning, ran the engine up to temperature, and shut it down. Tried to restart and heard only a click. No audible effort on the part of the starter to turn over.

I am running TTI headers, so the closest header tube is perhaps 2 or 3 inches from the starter. I am also using a heat wrap around the starter. The engine is a 493 inch big block, so it does put out some heat.

I pulled the starter and find the solenoid action is quite weak. Not enough to bring the Bendix drive forward and engage the starter. Note I applied 12v to the solenoid terminal and grounded the starter itself for this test.

I am surprised the unit failed, as disassembly reveals no apparent damage or broken connections. Wonder if the heat wrap was a mistake? Could that have held the heat inside the starter and cooked it?

In any event, I will need a new mini starter. I would appreciate any recommendations on a quality vendor, versus the generic Rock Auto model. Thanks.
 
I bought mine local from NAPA and it carries a lifetime warranty so if it gives out I just make a short trip for my replacement.
 
I pretty much swear by the DB Electrical high torque mini starter, which you can find here.

I have them in a 68 Road Runner w/ 440 long tubes, and a 69 Road Runner w/ 528 HEMI, also with long tubes. They have definitely had a lot of abuse and heat cycles and have never quit. I've had the same one for about 3 years now.

You can also remove the plastic terminal extension, in case you're worried about clearance to the headers/block.

Not to mention the amazing price and free shipping!
 
After the initial fail did you try to start the engine when all was cold? That would tell you the heat is your problem. I had that problem with a newly rebuilt 440 with headers. When it cooled down started fine, but the heat would not let it crank. I don't race so I have stock manifolds on my gen 2 hemi and also on my 318 Duster.
 
Agree with the above post about starters from DB Electrical. I have used 6 or 7 of them and never a problem. Whole bunch cheaper than some of the others out there as well.
 
Just go buy a starter for a 1999 Dodge Pickup with a 318 and you are set.
 
I forget - what was the consensus the other hundred times this has been asked again?
 
I had a friend give me a dodge van starter and I paid 11.00 for a rebuild kit and rebuilt it and its still working fine.
 
I've got one from the junkyard in 1999 that's still working...
Bought another one used at the nats in the mid 2000's. Both were oem.
 
Several posters have stated the starter heat shield wrap seemed to make things worse and instead fabed a simple metal shield along the same design as the stock spark plug shields next to the manifolds. That is the route I plan to take.
 
Several posters have stated the starter heat shield wrap seemed to make things worse and instead fabed a simple metal shield along the same design as the stock spark plug shields next to the manifolds. That is the route I plan to take.

I had one that was an "insulated" shield. Worked awesome. Forgot what it was on though.
 
Thanks for the comments - note the failed starter was a DB Electric model. Unfortunately I bought it probably 2 years ago when I was gathering parts for this project, so I doubt it is still under warranty. This is not the first new/aftermarket part I have had fail on this build. From what I read on these forums, this is not terribly unusual. Interesting to hear about the starter shield. I did wrap the starter up like a grande burrito, so maybe this contributed to early demise?
 
Thanks for the comments - note the failed starter was a DB Electric model. Unfortunately I bought it probably 2 years ago when I was gathering parts for this project, so I doubt it is still under warranty. This is not the first new/aftermarket part I have had fail on this build. From what I read on these forums, this is not terribly unusual. Interesting to hear about the starter shield. I did wrap the starter up like a grande burrito, so maybe this contributed to early demise?

Did you contact DB? They'll rebuild it possibly but should last more than two damn years though.
 
The kicker is the starter had only been "used" maybe 10 times. The engine is newly installed, so I broke it in and have been tuning the carbs & timing. So it was still a new starter - though 2 years old.
 
The kicker is the starter had only been "used" maybe 10 times. The engine is newly installed, so I broke it in and have been tuning the carbs & timing. So it was still a new starter - though 2 years old.
Had a 2 year old Carter electric fuel pump fail 500 miles of use with a note. Shipped it back and they sent me a new pump with a return note saying 2 years is a long time. Pump they sent is 35 years old now. Bet they will send you a new one, good PR.
 
Then you should have the "Correct" answer for us......
I don't keep up with fads.
I run the Dakota factory starter on Fred, which has worked perfectly for over a decade - and if it
ever fails, it has a lifetime replacement awaiting at the local auto parts.
 
I bought mine local from NAPA and it carries a lifetime warranty so if it gives out I just make a short trip for my replacement.
Yes, The Local Parts Houses "Zone" "Reilleyzzz" Can Be You're Friend .
Keep The Receipt / Lifetime Guarantee Products...........
Ive Done Just That , Bought A Lifetime Starter & Heveans Ta Murgatroid......It Quit.
Take It Out & Return It 4 A Free One !

Yeah Babby!!

PS : Use The Heat Shielding On Everything You Can..........IT WORKS!

MoPar2Ya
 
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