Starter Recommendations?

[BulldogBronco]

I'm having issues with starting my Bronco back up after driving it for anything over like 10 minutes or so. It cranks right up every time if it's been sitting for a few days but then it struggles after I drive it. It usually cranks but it's a realllly slow crank. After reading the forum, seems like heat soak or something with the starter so I'm interested in what starter everyone is running. There's a huge price discrepancy from the best one on Wild Horses (Like $289.99) to Tom's for like $65 and other stuff on Summit as well. I have a 302 with manual transmission and a Holley Sniper if that helps. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lawndart]

My starter bendix failed a couple years ago. Had some issues with the local Napa replacements. Went with this and I am still pleased with the result.
https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24485979-oem-style-starter-full-size-2-bolt-mounting-black-3132b.html - for manual trans
https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24485973-oem-style-starter-full-size-2-bolt-mounting-black-3124b.html - for auto trans

 

[Timmy390]

I would check all cables....make sure the grounds are good and don't have any corrosion. Clean up all the connection points and see if the issue goes away.

As for a starter? I've been using the factor replacement from the local parts store for 20 years. Replaced twice under warranty.

I think there is a Mustang starter upgrade (more torque) but don't know the details.

Tim

 

[knack]

My starter bendix failed a couple years ago. Had some issues with the local Napa replacements. Went with this and I am still pleased with the result.
https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24485979-oem-style-starter-full-size-2-bolt-mounting-black-3132b.html - for manual trans
https://www.tuffstuffperformance.com/i-24485973-oem-style-starter-full-size-2-bolt-mounting-black-3124b.html - for auto trans

I'm using one of these too, with good results. Nice to find a non-rebuild, USA made starter.

 

[BulldogBronco]

Thanks guys

 

[rguest3]

I use Powermaster Starters. Direct replacement.

 

[BulldogBronco]

rguest3, do the powermaster starters ever struggle with cranking again after driving or frequent stops and starts?

 

[AC932]

Been using whatever garbage autozone gave me 2 years ago without any issues. I turn my truck off at some traffic lights, so no issues with heat soak.

 

[hyghlndr]

Best bang for the buck is DB Electrical mini starter. Best starter brand ever seen Mean Green starter, so powerful you could almost move the Bronco around powered by the starter alone.

As a double check, I would get new thick battery cables first.

 

[bronconut73]

Yes the mean green starter can be used to actually move your Bronco with a standard transmission while in gear. Many starters will do this but I mean green is actually warrantied for that. So it is one tough starter

 

[jckkys]

The Mean Green is I think a Nippon Denso gear reduction. These are used by fleet owners like UPS who starts their engines hundreds of times a day. Even then they last for years.

 

[sanndmann3]

I'm using Explorer style gear reduction starter. It was a big improvement over the original...

 

[nvrstuk]

Any starter will (should or throw it away) move your rig when cranking in gear...this isn't really a testament to whether it's a great starter or not...very common way to move the rig in the shop or out of the way when the points needed filing... lol We did it all the time in the GM dealership a long time back..

Go with the mini starter if you can IF it's made in the USA. So much cheap crap out there. NAPA replaced 3 in one year for me once... what a joke. Go used OE or have one rebuilt at a starter/alternator electrical shop with quality parts is your best bet...

How close is your exhaust or starter to the starter... heat soak is very common... sheet metal shield is the easiest, cheapest and longest lasting methold of shielding the starter from exhaust heat... seems like everybody likes to spend more money on a fancy wrap that doesn't last as long or reduce as much heat from reaching the starter.

 

[BulldogBronco]

Any starter will (should or throw it away) move your rig when cranking in gear...this isn't really a testament to whether it's a great starter or not...very common way to move the rig in the shop or out of the way when the points needed filing... lol We did it all the time in the GM dealership a long time back..

Go with the mini starter if you can IF it's made in the USA. So much cheap crap out there. NAPA replaced 3 in one year for me once... what a joke. Go used OE or have one rebuilt at a starter/alternator electrical shop with quality parts is your best bet...

How close is your exhaust or starter to the starter... heat soak is very common... sheet metal shield is the easiest, cheapest and longest lasting methold of shielding the starter from exhaust heat... seems like everybody likes to spend more money on a fancy wrap that doesn't last as long or reduce as much heat from reaching the starter.

Yea the starter is pretty close to the headers. Is sheet metal shield something you just fab up?

 

[Eoth]

I understand that there are other starters that are "more advanced" and have higher specs (cranking power, etc...). But for me, a rebuilt stock works just fine for my "stock-ish" engine. On top of that I have a LIFETIME warranty (which I have utilized once in over 15 years).
Granted, some engine do actually require something better... I just cant imagine spending more money for overkill (and often less of a warranty).

 

[EPB72]

Yes best to fab your own heat shield ,with all the different combos out there ,,,,,,Q?? with ceramic coated headers how much heat is blocked from that area as well

 

[nvrstuk]

Yes...alum or s/s... every car made has heat shield made from alum..why? It's lighter, cheaper, lasts longer and more eff ice efficient than some starter wrap. Not saying a wrap might not work but ... get some cardboard, make a pattern several times, it will look and work great

 

[m_m70]

what's your timing set at??

 

[crankman]

I have used the mini starter since 2008 and yea there pricey but haven't touched mine since then either. They work pretty good.

 

[m_m70]

been at least ten years with the mini...…….no issues at all with the heat from the long tubes and much easier to get around. More issues with the headers than the starter!