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By Kahuna - 9 Years Ago
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Speaking of starters, has anyone used one of the small mini starters on their Y Block?
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By MoonShadow - 9 Years Ago
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I've had one for several years. They work well and are much easier to get in and out. Chuck
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By Half-dude - 9 Years Ago
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Mini Starters? Is that like a type without the absurdly long bendix stretching out? Seriously, trying to get my starter out last time was a NIGHTMARE all because of that bendix. I literally had to unbolt a side of the engine and lift it a bit just to fit the starter out!
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By 62bigwindow - 9 Years Ago
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What brand and where did you get it?
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By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
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I've had one for probably 13 or 14 years. I got it from http://autoelec.com/html/y_block_ford_gear_reduction_starter.html
It's expensive, but it sure beat rebuilding / replacing an original once a year and therefore has been much cheaper in the long run..
Mummert also sells one now.
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By Kahuna - 9 Years Ago
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Thanks for the responses. I've had one on my flathead for several years without problem.
Plus it's less than 1/2 the weight of a stock starter. Think I'll get one
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By PF Arcand - 9 Years Ago
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The one that Mummert sells appears to be a more substantial design than some other makes, however, I've not heard any comments on it's performance. As I understand it, some or all mini starters engage from the front side. Original Y block (& early F.E's that fit ) starters engage from the back. Therefore the ring gear retaining tabs are on the front of the flywheel. One case was reported, I believe in Y-Blk Magazine, where the starter caused the ring gear to come off the flywheel.. Looking at one Mini that came up for sale at a swap, it looked like a cheap design & the gear teeth were noticeable worn. So, I'm not sure that they are necessarily all the're cracked up to be..
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By rick55 - 9 Years Ago
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I bought and fitted a mini starter to my 55 when I first got it going but was always worried about the mounting flange. It only used two bolts but it did not support the starter mounting in the opening in the bell housing, with only the ears where the bolts were contacting the bell housing. I hope that makes sense to you. It didn't seem to me that it was the best way to mount the starter and I doubted its longevity. I took it out and replaced it with the original though it was a real PITA to get in.
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By Rono - 9 Years Ago
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I've been using one of the mini starters for about 8 years without any issues. Yes, the starter drive engages from the front and there are only 2 mounting locations. I didn't use the rubber "splash" gasket which really isn't needed and it's still working fine. Also much lighter than the original.
Rono
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By paul2748 - 9 Years Ago
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I have one in my 312 powered 54. Been on for about 8 years. No problems at all.
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By PF Arcand - 9 Years Ago
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Mini is only a general description, so what make or makes have been used successfully for 8years or so ?
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By brokengate - 9 Years Ago
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I installed a mini starter a few years ago, and in this context (yblock) mini is an accurate description of size, about half length and weight if I remember correctly, also easily installed. What did occur on one occasion is that the starter spun without engaging the flywheel, from my youth and worn out 57 fords, I put it in gear, push bumped it, and away we went. Although I haven't checked I assumed that I likely had worn tooth and/or the ring gear may previously had been flipped, as the original starter had never failed. I purchased mine from Automotive Electric, Negaunee, MI, 906-475-7772, paid $256.50, shipped in 2012. Hope this helps, don't drive it a lot so can't speak to longevity.
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By paul2748 - 9 Years Ago
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Got mine here http://www.autoelec.com/
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By snowcone - 9 Years Ago
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And you miss out on that wonderful Y block cranking sound that no other car makes
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By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
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Sacrificing sound for reliability is worth it for me. Mine is a daily driver and I like it to start when I want it to start.
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By Lord Gaga - 9 Years Ago
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Don't those minis make that chincy mopar/jap noise?? I'd rather eat worms! lol. In 50 years of Y Block experience, I've never had starter problems! Am I just lucky?
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By charliemccraney - 9 Years Ago
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I think it is a nippondesno motor, which I believe is Japanese. It's definitely a different sound.
I may have been unlucky, but after going through 2 starter rebuilds and 1 generator rebuild with none of those lasting more than a year, I decided those vintage electronics weren't for me. The rebuilds were carried out by 3 different shops, two local, one in a different state, so that eliminates the shop as the problem. My conclusion is that the parts or expertise is lacking to properly rebuild them, so they put them together as best they can.
Since making the swap to the modern starter (and alternator) that system of the truck has been trouble free.
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