starter problem

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Wed Oct 27, 04 8:37 pm

I recieved my mini starter from DB Electrical on e bay but for some reason the starter dog is not engaging the ring gear properly.
It is bolting up okay and looks just like the one that fitted my Dart which worked flawlessly. I have tried the starter out of the block and it seems perfect. As anyone had this problem before, also if you are reading this Ivor could you tell me if yours has gone in and worked ok.
Engine is 383.
Mick

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Fri Nov 05, 04 5:22 pm

Oops! Sorry Mick, didn't spot your post until now!

If all goes according to plan, transmission and starter goes on this weekend, so I'll let you know.

Sorry about the delay, but I've got springs, seals and circlips everywhere!

Jon · Post by **Jon** » Fri Nov 05, 04 5:48 pm

Hey Mick, I was thinking about what you told me, that it Bananarama! the ring gear, my mate had the same problem with the mini starter on his small block ford. he didn't want to send it back to the states so he filed a chamfer on every tooth on his flywheel

it worked but its probably not the solution you wanted to hear

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Fri Nov 05, 04 8:44 pm

This may sound stupid Jon but i think i've found the problem.
When i put the starter you sent me on the car, it was also hitting the ring gear so i tried jump starting it, still no joy so i tried the neg jump lead on the engine and it started.
Anyway, the long and short of it is, i made new battery leads up when i bought the car and the neg lead from the battery was earthed on the engine so i decided it would be better earthed to the body and that appears to have been the problem. Now i have earthed the chassis and the engine. Doh!
Mick

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Sun Nov 14, 04 7:21 pm

I couldn't find the thread that mentioned mini starters, headers and the need for a heat shield, so I've ended up here.

Everyone agrees that the mini high torque starter is the way to go, so I've stuffed one in. Slung on the headers (Hooker Competition) and there's so much clearance you could drive a C body through there, just check the pic.

So the question is, do I scrounge a bit of stainless from Uncle Roger and faff about making a heat shield before I stick the engine and box in, or do you guys think it will be OK as it is?

All helpful replies gratefully received and faithfully applied!

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Nov 14, 04 8:10 pm

I never have mate and I have never had a problem, your call but I don't see the need, especially in your case..

TrevD · Post by **TrevD** » Sun Nov 14, 04 8:32 pm

i think you will have ample space , my mate runs a bb cheebie in a camaro , headers much tighter than yours , he has no problems , or you could use headers like mine , loads of air gap

TrevD · Post by **TrevD** » Sun Nov 14, 04 8:32 pm

i think you will have ample space , my mate runs a bb cheebie in a camaro , headers much tighter than yours , he has no problems , or you could use headers like mine , loads of air gap

Rich · Post by **Rich** » Sun Nov 14, 04 8:40 pm

Trev,you have so much room there you could use one of them old Chevy V8`s for a starter!!!Ift would cope that is

TrevD · Post by **TrevD** » Sun Nov 14, 04 8:47 pm

im using a mini starter but im runing quite low compresion

so i could probably start it with a starting handle

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Sun Nov 14, 04 9:19 pm

The thing that knacks them is if you get an exhaust leak on that side. The heat build up makes hot starts a pain. Speaking from experience here.

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Mon Nov 15, 04 9:14 am

Thanks Guys!

Mmm, fenderwells, didn't think of that Trev!

As Alex said, it's my call and I don't think there's gonna be a problem, best get the ancillaries on and bolt it to the K frame then!