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Top Mount Starter

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mount starter
11K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  Motomatt68 
#1 ·
First I appologize for this question being low tech but I dont know where else to ask.

I am about done with rebuilding my engine/boat and was about to do the electrical system and wanted to know about top mount starters. My bell housing has a mount for one but all I have ever used were the standard automotive style. My reasons for wanting one would be better access and it seems that it would raise all of the wires in my boat above the bilge. They seem more expensive but...its a boat. My motor is a 509 bbc with a flywheel and an American Turbine Jet. with the bottom mounts I know that there are two mounting positions and that covers everything. Is getting a top mount worth it. What do I need and what do you guys run?

Thanks, Matt.
 
#2 ·
Just from personal experience I will never run a top mount again. Had the Factory GM rebuilt twice in 3 years. If ANY water got in the bilge, the flexplate would sling it up and land in the starter and cause it to rust and Corrode(no way to drain out). I even tried a aftermarket one that would drop the gear off at random. Finally i ponied up for a new Late model style Mallory Marine starter( bottom mount), was probabley the best investment I ever made on that boat. Never let me down and I never had to worry about it. But hey thats just me, maybe others have had better luck. :((((((
 
#13 ·
Have ran top mounts for many years without issue. Use the thicker SFI flywheel, it reduces deflection upon bendix engagement. I bought my first set-up used from a guy that could never get it to work, got three starters out of the deal. The starter I currently use is the size of a beer can, propper set-up, and shimming goes a long way.
 
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