QUALITY Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Alaska
QUALITY Starter
I'm sick of the stupid cheapo starters going out..... 3 year warranty on Napa starters really gets used 
I need another one after 2 months 
Who has found a GOOD QUALITY Starter that actually lasts? seem like this shouldn't be hard, since newer vehicles don't have starters going out like the old rigs did.
I need another one after 2 months Who has found a GOOD QUALITY Starter that actually lasts? seem like this shouldn't be hard, since newer vehicles don't have starters going out like the old rigs did.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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Maybe there is something else wrong that's causing the starters to go bad ? That's an awful lot of starters gone bad before their time. The Auto zone starters are lifetime so they are a better deal. What engine do you have ?
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From: Alaska
I'm an automotive wireman for a living, and the wires are all fresh. Napa reman'd alternators, starters, etc are garbage. I don't have any other auto parts stores on my island....
motor is a 400, with an NP435 manual tranny
I understand the 351m/400 has the same bellhousing as a big block 429/460. Do the flywheels all have the same number of teeth, or is there something special I should be searching for?
many thanks in advance.
motor is a 400, with an NP435 manual tranny
I understand the 351m/400 has the same bellhousing as a big block 429/460. Do the flywheels all have the same number of teeth, or is there something special I should be searching for?
many thanks in advance.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Alaska
how about this powermaster?
Powermaster 9505 - Powermaster XS Torque Starters - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Powermaster 9505 - Powermaster XS Torque Starters - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
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From: Wingo, Ky
Something is making me think the 351m/400 flywheel don't have the same # of teeth as the 460.
My dad went through 5 starters on a 78 400 chevy in a couple month period. Finally got one that lasted years.
My dad went through 5 starters on a 78 400 chevy in a couple month period. Finally got one that lasted years.
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From: Alaska
When I got the truck it had a reman starter on there the previous owner got about a year before he sold me the truck. It was spinning, but sparatically wouldn't operate the bendix. It would just sit there and spin.
The one I replaced it with was the same model, and has the opposite issue. It clicks in to the flywheel, but won't turn. We tried putting it in gear and engaging the starter and trying to force the starter to turn a little, and it wouldn't budge. I think it totally seized up in there somehow. At least it wouldn't turn with 3 of us pushing on the truck with all we could.
My first thought was wiring when it failed this time around, but I had checked out the wires before. I went down there and metered everything, and the wiring is all fine. very little resistance at rest, and 0 voltage drop under load because it wasn't actually turning. I pulled out the starter, bench tested it back and NAPA, and walked out with a new one.... but I have even less confidence in it than I had before.....
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Western Washington
I recall an issue like this came up a short time ago on here about a starter problem someone was having. I believe it was Bullitt390 that stated a difference in starter designs for different years...some were configured different and wouldn't work or have problems.
The last starter I replaced in my 76 with a 390 went through two until a good one worked. I have to pull my passenger side header off in order to install the starter. When I started it up it made a loud ''Zip'' sound. I was pi**ed because it ment pulling the header off again to replace it. When the auto parts store pulled a new one off the shelf I had them do a starter check on it before I walked out with it. All is good with the one now.
OJ
The last starter I replaced in my 76 with a 390 went through two until a good one worked. I have to pull my passenger side header off in order to install the starter. When I started it up it made a loud ''Zip'' sound. I was pi**ed because it ment pulling the header off again to replace it. When the auto parts store pulled a new one off the shelf I had them do a starter check on it before I walked out with it. All is good with the one now.
OJ
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I recall an issue like this came up a short time ago on here about a starter problem someone was having. I believe it was Bullitt390 that stated a difference in starter designs for different years...some were configured different and wouldn't work or have problems.
The last starter I replaced in my 76 with a 390 went through two until a good one worked. I have to pull my passenger side header off in order to install the starter. When I started it up it made a loud ''Zip'' sound. I was pi**ed because it ment pulling the header off again to replace it. When the auto parts store pulled a new one off the shelf I had them do a starter check on it before I walked out with it. All is good with the one now.
OJ
The last starter I replaced in my 76 with a 390 went through two until a good one worked. I have to pull my passenger side header off in order to install the starter. When I started it up it made a loud ''Zip'' sound. I was pi**ed because it ment pulling the header off again to replace it. When the auto parts store pulled a new one off the shelf I had them do a starter check on it before I walked out with it. All is good with the one now.
OJ
For the most part everything is interchangeable, but install a late flywheel with early starter and guys wonder why the ring gear keeps getting knocked off, or early flywheel with new starter and same thing, guy's wonder WTF?
Doing a quick search on O'Reilly the 351/400 and 460 use the same model starter.
With that said, the shop should be able to test the starter before you leave the store.
I also realize you said you tested the wiring, but are all connections clean and to bare metal? What gauge wiring? The thicker the better and I wouldn't consider using anything smaller (bigger number) than 4 gauge.
I personally use 00 gauge welding cable. Makes a HUGE difference!
Also, what condition is the starter solenoid? I usually don't recommend just swapping parts out, but it could be on the way out. Make sure it is attached with good screws/ bolts to bare metal as well.
Josh
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
The issue IS NAPA it has been talked about before all their reman parts are junk. Just get a rebuild kit and rebuild it yourself the right way. Most of the time it is just the negative brushes that go bad in them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,037
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
how about this powermaster?
Powermaster 9505 - Powermaster XS Torque Starters - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Powermaster 9505 - Powermaster XS Torque Starters - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 2
Here's what I use:
Mean Green Gear Reduction : High Output Alternators : High Amp : Ford Race Car : Auto Starters : Powermaster : Diesel Chevy : Toyota Starter Motor : Automotive Alternators
A good bit of coin ($300), but I haven't replaced a starter in 10 years. One thing I kinda have to chuckle about is people rave about the warranty the chain stores offer, well that warranty doesn't do a bit of good when you're stuck on the side of the road. Not to mention, do you think such a serious warranty would be needed if they sold a product that lasted?
Mean Green Gear Reduction : High Output Alternators : High Amp : Ford Race Car : Auto Starters : Powermaster : Diesel Chevy : Toyota Starter Motor : Automotive Alternators
A good bit of coin ($300), but I haven't replaced a starter in 10 years. One thing I kinda have to chuckle about is people rave about the warranty the chain stores offer, well that warranty doesn't do a bit of good when you're stuck on the side of the road. Not to mention, do you think such a serious warranty would be needed if they sold a product that lasted?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
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From: Ideeho
My dad went through 5 starters on a 78 400 chevy in a couple month period. Finally got one that lasted years.[/quote]
Yeah but on an old Chevy most people don't check to see if the starter needs to be shimmed for correct engagement which is what wipes them out. I also agree .........use welding lead for battery cables........Way better than the crappy wires some of the parts stores will sell you.
Yeah but on an old Chevy most people don't check to see if the starter needs to be shimmed for correct engagement which is what wipes them out. I also agree .........use welding lead for battery cables........Way better than the crappy wires some of the parts stores will sell you.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 47
From: Eagle River, AK
I'm an automotive wireman for a living, and the wires are all fresh. Napa reman'd alternators, starters, etc are garbage. I don't have any other auto parts stores on my island....
motor is a 400, with an NP435 manual tranny
I understand the 351m/400 has the same bellhousing as a big block 429/460. Do the flywheels all have the same number of teeth, or is there something special I should be searching for?
many thanks in advance.
motor is a 400, with an NP435 manual tranny
I understand the 351m/400 has the same bellhousing as a big block 429/460. Do the flywheels all have the same number of teeth, or is there something special I should be searching for?
many thanks in advance.
My brother and I have both used DB Electronics DB Electrical - Starters in the past. I for my 68 F100 w/ 302 and he for his Powerstroke diesel. I do not see a listing for the 351M/400, but it's worth giving them a call. Good products and good customer service in my opinion.
Hope this helps.