Starter issues

[moparmaniac59]

Hey guys,
I need some input on some problems I am having with my starter. When I installed my new motor I also installed a new DB Electric high torque mini starter. I think they all are made overseas and are all about the same? It worked just fine when I first installed it, but after about 3 months would drag while trying to start when the car was hot. It did fine on a cold start. It got where I couldn't start the car when hot. It would have to cool (like an hour or more) and then it would start. I thought it was the battery, but battery is brand new. Cables are new with good ground and connections. Starter cables are good and new. I checked all this out. I then bought a heat wrap for the starter thinking it was heat from the headers, but it has good clearance from my ceramic coated Doug's headers. I thought it was OK with the new heat shield wrap, but got stranded again today and had to wait an hour. When it's hot the starter will turn the motor about a 1/4 rotation and stop. I am thinking it's just a bum starter and I ordered a new one. Any ideas/suggestions?? I am out of things to troubleshoot other than the starter itself. Below is the Ebay ad. I know other folks that have used DB electric starters with very good results!! Thanks guys!

EXTRA HEAVY DUTY-BEST QUALITY ON EBAY from DB ELECRICAL
Factory New Gear Reduction
Mini Racing Starter for Mopar
Gear reduction designed internal solenoid solves "heat soak" problems.
 Maximum torque with 4:1 'Denso' Gear Reduction Design.
  Heavy duty but light weight.
  Superior quality racing gear reduction starter has over
2 times the torque of your original starter!

Starter dimensions
Overall length = 10.25 inches
Length from mounting flange to rear = 7 inches 
Width = 5.5 inches at widest point

This higher torque mini starter weighs only 9 pounds compared to the
older style Mopar starter weighing 20 pounds.


                                            Matt B.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Matt,

  If the heat shield didn't work for you, then I really have no other suggestion. My starter comes close to the headers, but doesn't touch due to my good work with a hammer.   

Aren't all these mini's made in China now? That would explain it.   

[moparmaniac59]

Thanks Mike,
That's what I am thinking/hoping (bum crappy starter). I had similar issues with a set of bum fuel pressure regulators. Had two in a row (brand new) bad right out of the box. Third one was a charm. I was beginning to think it was me!! :roflsmiley:It's an ADHD thing!!

                                                    Matt B.

[moparmaniac59]

You are right Jason,
Too much crap made in China. Sometimes it is nearly impossible to get a product made in the USA!!!


                                                Matt B.

[Ck[FIN]]

What i have seen, starters made in china are crap. But if its made in japan or usa, it is a lot better quality and really works.

[73EStroker]

You will (at the very least) have to remove the starter and dismantle it for inspection. It could be a faulty winding or it does not have enough power to turn the engine over when it is hot due to better compression etc. If it is under warranty then return it. I got mine from a donor Mopar at the wreckers and got the next one (spare) for $25. Unfortunately it is a big job to change it - remove torsion bar, or remove header, or remove steering column . And mine cranks over a 451 at 10.75 CR and using a Gel Cell battery.

[moparmaniac59]

Roger that.
I know I've got to drop the header to get the starter out. I've got the MSD 7AL digital box which has a start circuit which retards the timing on startup and once the motor reaches 500 rpm it returns to the original setting. (At least that's how I understand it works). I'm running 11.02:1 compression. I also have a new battery. I know the newer mopars use a mini starter. I don't know if they are better quality than the aftermarket ones. I'm just hoping the replacement one is better as it' no fun doing a changeout!!

                                           Matt B.

[moper]

Cheapest way is a used Magnum starter from a yard.. I always use the MP ones which I believe are still new ones from OE manufacturer. The offshore ones I have heard of problems with. Not every unit, but enough to make me spend the extra $$.

[Oldschool]

I have seen over-advanced timing present the same symptoms. Starter drags when the engine is hot. No other symptoms, no pinging, nothing -- just dragging starter when hot. The cheapest/easiest check would be to back off the timing a little when hot and see if it helps out. Hey, it is simple and free to check....       

[moparmaniac59]

I'll definitely check the timing before I go to the trouble of starter changeout. Thanks!

                                                      Matt B.