Gear Reduction Starter Motors

PCC · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2004, 05:37 PM

Has anyone had any experience with gear reduction starter motors?

My starter has been playing up and its time to replace it (Motorcraft are not very servicable!)

Looked into fitting a gear reduction starter, but don't know too much about them (approx $350 and cheaper on E-Bay).

Or am I as well fitting a bosch starter? At least they can be fully serviced.

Good ol Fords - replace a part and break the bank

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2004, 07:09 PM

Peter: There are several models available. I have used a Hitachi gear reduction model for over 8 years and had absolutely no problems. It is several pounds lighter has an integeral solenoid and because of its reduced size allows for more header clearance.
The first OEM use of this model as I recall was on a mid 70's Datsun 240/260 Z. The end plate and gear had to be changed. Tilton markets a very good one, the one in the middle this is the design I have. The pictures are for Chevy & Mopar application. There are other brands and some clones too. The one on the left is a Permanent Magnet style, the one on the right is for Ultra high compression (notice the longer brush plate area)
Tilton:

Mcleod:

http://www.mcleodind.com/cgi-bin/fcc...ostname=MCLEOD

Rick

mylesdw · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2004, 07:24 PM

Have had a Tilton fitted to my SBC for the last 14 years or so. Very pleased, with all the benefits mentioned by Rick and great starting performance. All standard ones seemed to struggle a bit when starting hot, or during prolonged cranking or with the battery slightly low but the Tilton does the job every time.

BMK · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 12:29 AM

Castlemaine Auto Electrics. Castlemaine Victoria. Chris or Con Soldatos. Suppliers of a number of different brands.

Importantly they are car enthusiasts.

Bernie

Ron61 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 05:28 AM

Peter,

I had one built at a local starter/alternator shop in 1996 and have really had great luck with it. They even came and fitted it on the car and wired it for me and the total cost was $185 dollars. The so called heavy duty stock starter wouldn't even turn the engine over once it got hot. I have never had this one even drag a little at any time. They alsoworedmine not using the regular solenoid as they said it has a built in one and that was just one more thing to go wrong.

Ron

rdorman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 05:45 AM

The one used on the Ford Ranger is a gear reduction unit and should bolt up just fine. Plus you can get one with a life time warranty from NAPA for a song.
Rick

PCC · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 03:25 PM

Thanks Guys.....

Some good info.

Will go for a gear reduction model.

The problem with my old one was that I'm pretty sure I damaged the solenoid (unserviceable) due to a low battery.

I then started having hot start problems which needed a hammer to free the motor (sounds like a brush problem).

Not good when you're stranded with no roof

Thanks again