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 are around $12 and it makes life a lot 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.

 

[Nismobishi]

OK, I'm convinced! I gonna get a relocation adapter. Thanks everyone for your help

 

[Geoff 2]

You do NOT need a relocation lug!

Get some hard plastic that will slide down the gap between the lugs to prevent accidental contact. Silicon in place. Job done!

 

[69_A12_6BBL]

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

They are around $12 and it makes life a lot easier. I have them on all of my Dakota starters.

Tom


View attachment 1919995

Do these Dakota starters sound like the older gear reduction type?

 

[dadsbee]

Do these Dakota starters sound like the older gear reduction type?

NO

 

[Bird 426]

There are two different adapters, one is horizontal like the above picture and the other is vertical.

 

[matthon]

Take electrical heat shrink of the appropriate size for each, cover the entire terminal and up the wires a bit.

Heat shrink them, obviously.

Cut out enough to make contact with the starter and get on the nuts.

Take another length of heat shrink, cut it to fit the terminals when the nuts are secured to the starter.

You can even just slit the end on the bottom as it's going to shrink later.

Run it up the wires over everything, do not heat shrink.

Install wires/nuts on starter.

Slide the two left down over the terminals and hit them with the heat gun.

Sounds complicated but it's not, takes a few minutes, provides a little piece of mind.

 

[WileE]

Mine is just like that and been that way over 15 years. No problem.