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DB Starters

Old Apr 6, 2013 | 03:25 PM
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Two starters in less then 2yrs gone bad!! Drives failed. Any one else have issues with these mini's? Other options (don't want a third problem from them)?
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 07:53 PM
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I tried one on my Ford. Extra wiring and no real functional difference over a good stock piece...I went back with an OE unit.
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 08:40 PM
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I put an ACDelco starter from a late 90s Tahoe in my '81 and it works great
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 09:20 PM
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There's no question, with the mini's, you eliminate the "hot starter" problem immediately. The problem (at least in my experience) is the fact that they are just not made well. Going to go back to my original starter...heavy duty armature and shielding. Hopefully, these two things will help.
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Old Apr 6, 2013 | 10:20 PM
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you really should try a starter for a late 90's gm truck. its gear reduction and light weight. i got one that fit a 98 chev. 1500 series 5.7 engine. from a starter/ alternator shop locally, and it works good so far even hot. but you will 2 shorter bolts though.

Last edited by speedreed8; Apr 9, 2013 at 07:58 AM.
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Old Apr 9, 2013 | 07:09 AM
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Have a DB mini starter in one of gbody cars, (Monte Carlo) in the family and the only problem is that I've had a couple of no-starts because the connections were oxided. No starter drive failures, but then again the 350 in the Monte is about 9:1 compression. For the Corvette, there's a GM mini starter from a mid 90's truck.
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Old Apr 9, 2013 | 09:56 PM
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I have had one in my 489 for about 4 years, no problems. 9.5 compression.
I would buy another.
Terry
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Old Apr 9, 2013 | 10:20 PM
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no experience with them.
once I made the auto parts store test them before I bought,
never had a problem.

The draw amps is critical. too many poor rebuilds that
work but draw 50-100 % more than they should.

one time I went through 5 at the store until finally one
drew what stock called for.

I now have a guy () that rebuilds alt, door motors, starters
for me. his business.
a little more than parts house but work real well.
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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 05:23 AM
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The mini GM truck starter is a good idea but Ultimatly I decided to have my original re-built. Adding a heavier armature and shielding. Hoping the combo reduces/eliminates the "hot start" issue.
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