Speaking of starters, has anyone used one of the small mini starters on their Y Block?

I've had one for several years. They work well and are much easier to get in and out. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

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!

What brand and where did you get it?

Durham Missouri

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.



Lawrenceville, GA

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

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..    


Paul

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.

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

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

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

I have one in my 312 powered 54.  Been on for about 8 years.  No problems at all.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ