Best Quality Mini Starter?

[EngineerDoug]

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.

 

[Red63440]

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.

 

[Garngie]

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!

 

[ro23j]

I bought a Robbmc and am very satisfied with the starter and their customer service.

https://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/starter_home.html

 

[wish4hemi]

Mopar-licensed via Proform
https://moparconnectionmagazine.com...-mopar-lightweight-mini-starter-from-proform/

 

[tonysrt]

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.

 

[hunt2elk]

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.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Just go buy a starter for a 1999 Dodge Pickup with a 318 and you are set.

 

[moparedtn]

I forget - what was the consensus the other hundred times this has been asked again?

 

[BeepBeepRR]

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.

 

[furious70]

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.

 

[bandit67]

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.

 

[68Dart470]

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.

 

[68Dart470]

I forget - what was the consensus the other hundred times this has been asked again?

Then you should have the "Correct" answer for us......

 

[EngineerDoug]

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?

 

[68Dart470]

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.

 

[EngineerDoug]

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.

 

[Fran Blacker]

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.

 

[moparedtn]

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.

 

[dodgeboy440]

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