Starters
- Why does my starter make a whining or grinding noise?
- Why does the full size starter use the “R” terminal and the gear reduction does not?
- Why won’t my starter crank when it’s hot?
- Why do I keep cracking noses on my full size starters?
Q: Why does my starter make a whining or grinding noise?
This could mean that your starter needs shimming. There are different methods of shimming a starter, depending on which direction the starter needs to be adjusted. If the starter to ring gear tolerance is too tight, you will need to shim the starter away from the ring gear. If the tolerance is loose, your ring gear may be worn or defective. Our industry has become familiar with brand new defective aftermarket flywheels. Don’t rule this out as a possible cause. If the model #6584 or #6772 pinion is engaging in too far, the washer shim may need to be installed behind the mounting block. Refer to installation instructions (supplied with your new starter) for tolerances.
Q: Why does the full size starter use the “R” terminal and the gear reduction does not?
The “R” terminal sends 12V to the coil when a ballast resistor is part of your ignition system. In most cases the “R” terminal connection can be discarded. The gear reduction starter motor draws half the amperage of the full size starter, therefore it’s not robbing the engine’s spark. You may also want to consider upgrading to a modern ignition system that does not consist of a ballast resistor.
Q: Why won’t my starter crank when it’s hot?
This is common with full size starters. Excessive heat against the starter solenoid builds resistance in the coil .There are a few solutions for this problem. (1) You can install our Model #7629 hot start kit. (2) Install a heat shield on the solenoid. (3) Replace your full size starter with a gear reduction. The smaller body and variable clocking provides more clearance between the exhaust and the starter solenoid.
Q: Why do I keep cracking noses on my full size starters?
Refer to the first paragraph in this section. (whining and grinding noise) These can all be factors. If you are not installing the starter with original equipment bolts the starter will become loose causing misalignment. Install with Tuff Stuff #7623 knurled starter bolts. Backfire while starting causes backlash which creates sudden excessive impact to the aluminum casting. If your engine is not tuned properly do not continue to crank your engine until your timing is set. The Hitachi style gear reduction starters have a solid mounting block and pinion that will withstand backfire better than the full size starter. Full size starters are not recommended for high compression engines.