I just had my engine re-built and due to the higher compression ratio
when it's hot the starter seems to struggle. The battery is brand new
and at cold start it turns the engine over as one would expect it to. My
mechanic said that I may need to invest in a "high torque" starter!
Is he on the rihgt track or should I look elsewhere for my starter problem?

 

He's refering to "mini" starters. They do help with hot starts. Two reasons for this; one, they don't require as much current as a full-size, two, they are smaller so they have more space between the surface of the motor and the exhaust system. Despite the "mini" name they are quite potent little buggers.

 

Grayghost:
How high of a compression ratio are you running. I am running 10.5:1 on a 454 big block and my stock L48 350 starter cranked it over without a problem. I am more inclined to think that it's possible that your motor is just "tight". It will crank it over when cold but once the motor gets heated up everything expands and pow the starter won't crank it over. This is pretty common with freshly rebuilt motors until they break-in. I did not run into this because all of my clearences are on the "loose" side.

Another issue could be starter heat soak. This occurs whenever your starter is exposed to to much heat from the exhaust. You could add a starter heat shield or even wrap your starter in header wrap. See if that helps.

Yet another issue could be timing. Too much advance, and once the motor is hot you will have problems cranking it over. You could use a timing light to verify whether or not you are running too advanced.

I still think it's because your motor is "tight" though.

Should you choose to go the high torque starter route there are a few options. Most likely you will need a starter with an offset bolt pattern. I just recently installed an AC Delco mini gear reduction high torque starter. This starter crazy. With a simple dab of the key it cranks my motor over like nothing. Your stock starter weighs 23lbs should you change to the AC Delco mini-starter it weighs 8lbs and is a lot smaller than the stock one (keeps it further away from exhaust heat).

Good luck. :cheers:

 

Gray, I don't know for sure what you have there, but over the years, I have managed to pay attention to elementary electricals and have VERY high compression engines turn over willingly, some even in gross winter weather I"d rather not remember...read thick oil.....IF the electricals are in good shape and such,...and the headers NOT closer than say an inch from the starter....and it's a good heavy duty...read LONG shaft/housing starter...most easily seen by the spacer off the solenoid tab into the motor itself....
I can't see you having any problem...hate to brag, but maybe next time I hit the switch, it may fail....but my cheap rebuilt starter been under there about 7 years now.....knock on wood....
Now I"m not saying I have a 12;1 street machine or anything, but reality is most guys don't....

I go back to the basics...nice THICK, about 1/2 inch diameter cables in good condition...NO corrosion, all connections clean....just the obvious...

GENE

 

-------------- Carpe garpe!
----------------(seize the goldfish)
:lolg: :lolg: :lol: :lolg:
OH MAN ROFL!

 

Yeah, I have to agree on this one. Many times when I thought I had a bad starter it was a bad ground or lousy solenoid wiring or crappy positive cable.
Buy molded battery cables, not the clamp on the wire type. Clean the end connections at the frame on your grounds, and remember to check the one from the frame to the engine under the hood. Make sure starter connections are tight, and correct, and all wires are in good shape.
My '74 had about 9.5:1 (now has 10.5:1) and started right up in 100+ Houston weather every time...on an AutoZone $30 rebuilt starter, with a fresh (less than 2000 mile) engine. Doubt anything is too tight on yours.
Jeff

 

I support the "Long shaft/housing" stock starter (heavy duty).
If you don't have this type, then you could have hot start problems caused by the starter.

I have 11.1 comp. & Headers, my starter is 33 years old and works well cold or hot.
Like Gene says, now that I say that, it's likely certain death for the starter.

Barry