Mini starters nightmare

[77snowwheeler]

Unless someone has a really great mini starter, I recommend, DO NOT USE ONE.
I’m on, count it, number 5, in a year, and this is a very part time rig. Maybe 200 miles, and 30-40 starts. I’m taking this one out, which was supposed to be one of the best from DB Electrical. Man, it hit that flex plate the best, at first, then it was the quickest to fail. 179 bucks later, I have to pay a 30 dollar restock fee and don’t even get my full refund. Going into shop tomorrow, because I’m done being under this awesome truck. Someone else can get me through this nightmare, I hope??????

 

[6872xtc]

That sucks for you, definitely.
What kind of failure are you seeing?

I am surprised as I have been using gear reduction starters on my trucks for over 20 years. But I have never bought one from DB Electrical. Saw their website a few years back, never purchased anything.
What brand of parts are they selling?

I have either gotten Nippendenso, or ACdelco, or WAI Automotive, or one used off of a Vortec truck that I parted out.

 

[centexk5]

We’ve been using a cheap generic one on the bronco for a few years with no issues. I’ve got a jegs on the blazer but haven’t had a chance to use it yet.

 

[Polymath]

I debated a mini starter last time I needed one and decided it isn't worth the money over a reman AC Delco. If I was trying to save weight, i'd just keep the 40 gallon tank half full instead of filling it up.

 

[6872xtc]

I debated a mini starter last time I needed one and decided it isn't worth the money over a reman AC Delco. If I was trying to save weight, i'd just keep the 40 gallon tank half full instead of filling it up.

I have only thought about the weight savings during installation.

 

[nvrenuf]

I’m using a cheap eBay mini starter that was about $80 (the seller was Skip White Performance iirc), works great.

 

[dyeager535]

Weren't even the Vortec (350) trucks using gear reduction starters?

I'm not sure how you'd kill a bunch of them, but it seems like either a problem with install, or somehow getting into a groove where every purchase was junk.

I mean look at this beauty! Powermaster that had been used on a circle track car before I got it, obviously immaculately taken care of, to include my amazing battery cables.

It's six years since I installed it, no idea how old it actually was. Truck is minimally used, and while things wear out with usage, sitting for long periods (like mine does) is very hard on stuff too. But no issues. Always cranks. Hot or cold.

 

[Bent77]

Yes it was a factory install in later years. Specd mine off of a v3500

I also started switching about 20 years back. Some of those starters have out lived the engines they started on

Powermaster and hitachi are also good brands

 

[1-ton]

Unless someone has a really great mini starter, I recommend, DO NOT USE ONE.
I’m on, count it, number 5, in a year, and this is a very part time rig. Maybe 200 miles, and 30-40 starts. I’m taking this one out, which was supposed to be one of the best from DB Electrical. Man, it hit that flex plate the best, at first, then it was the quickest to fail. 179 bucks later, I have to pay a 30 dollar restock fee and don’t even get my full refund. Going into shop tomorrow, because I’m done being under this awesome truck. Someone else can get me through this nightmare, I hope??????

Have you tested the starters to make sure they are actually bad, and it is not an electrical problem that is making you think it is a starter problem. many years ago when I worked for Pep Boys Auto they had starter testing equipment I would use to test starters and their amperage draw. I use Powermaster mini high torque starters that I get from Summit Racing for a pretty good price.

 

[jimmyleetn]

I think like the '98 starters will work and are minis. I forget the year break. Someone can correct me on that. I do think you have another problem if you went though 5 in a year. Heat maybe or an electrical issue/gremlin.

 

[ekajkrats]

I bought a DB Electrical branded alternator through Amazon. Crapped out on me and they didn't honor the warranty. Amazon stepped in and I got my money back.

On the mini-starter front I went with a Hitachi brand, no issues.

 

[77snowwheeler]

That sucks for you, definitely.
What kind of failure are you seeing?

I am surprised as I have been using gear reduction starters on my trucks for over 20 years. But I have never bought one from DB Electrical. Saw their website a few years back, never purchased anything.
What brand of parts are they selling?

I have either gotten Nippendenso, or ACdelco, or WAI Automotive, or one used off of a Vortec truck that I parted out.

Power master was one of them. Mainly starting strong then clicking.

 

[77snowwheeler]

I debated a mini starter last time I needed one and decided it isn't worth the money over a reman AC Delco. If I was trying to save weight, i'd just keep the 40 gallon tank half full instead of filling it up.

Might do the ac delco thing myself.

 

[77snowwheeler]

Yes it was a factory install in later years. Specd mine off of a v3500

I also started switching about 20 years back. Some of those starters have out lived the engines they started on

Powermaster and hitachi are also good brands

Hitachi might be the one this time. I’ll let you all know. Thanks for the feedback. Very much appreciated.

 

[Bent77]

Hitachi might be the one this time. I’ll let you all know. Thanks for the feedback. Very much appreciated.

I would really dig into the electrical system on the truck side. I’ll buy that a starter or two is bad, but multiples suggest that the starter is a symptom

 

[77snowwheeler]

I would really dig into the electrical system on the truck side. I’ll buy that a starter or two is bad, but multiples suggest that the starter is a symptom

I have duel Interstate batteries. Have 1/0 cables. The starters hit the flexplate better than any starter ever has. Then, after about 15 starts they go down hill fast. It’s a part time truck, would be the only reason maybe they go bad. Because I may have a voltage draw somewhere, when it sits, for a few weeks at a time. So, possibly yes, lower voltage could fry the best of starters. So, that is why it’s in the shop, for diagnosing. I’ll probably know tomorrow. But the great news is, after changes of intake, carbs, and air filters, it’s running awesome.

 

[centexk5]

What do you mean by go downhill? I’m betting you’ve got an issue on the truck side that is causing the contacts to burn out.

 

[77snowwheeler]

What do you mean by go downhill? I’m betting you’ve got an issue on the truck side that is causing the contacts to burn out.

They start clicking, but sometimes start, then just click, eventually. Could be on the truck side, thus, the low voltage draw.

 

[6872xtc]

Weren't even the Vortec (350) trucks using gear reduction starters?

I'm not sure how you'd kill a bunch of them, but it seems like either a problem with install, or somehow getting into a groove where every purchase was junk.

I mean look at this beauty! Powermaster that had been used on a circle track car before I got it, obviously immaculately taken care of, to include my amazing battery cables.

It's six years since I installed it, no idea how old it actually was. Truck is minimally used, and while things wear out with usage, sitting for long periods (like mine does) is very hard on stuff too. But no issues. Always cranks. Hot or cold.

That looks to be a Nippendenso starter. They are definitely good units. It is the same as what was used an a bunch of 4B Cummins engines. The slightly larger version was for the 6B engines. Also used on other diesel engines.
Power Master uses those and Hitachi motors for their starters.

 

[ryoken]

I don't know what Mexican factory is making Merc's starters, but we get damn good service out of em in the boats.. merc's been running mini's for 25 yrs.. SB, BB, 496's, etc...

like everything Merc, they ARE proud of their parts.. between 300 and 350 usually.. but they survive saltwater torture pretty damn well.. we replace em, but they are usually 20 yr old rusty originals that finally give up the ghost..