Starter issues

Engine, Transmission and related drivetrain.
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SeeDub_17
Posts: 29
Joined: 07 Jan 2022 14:35
Location: Edmonton Alberta

Starter issues

Post by SeeDub_17 »

We have built the Frankenstein LZ2.4 motor for my car. I am having some issues with the stock 510 starter now. I have 12+ volts to the starter, but when I crank the engine it drops to 8 volts and the engine cranks so slowly. I've tried 2 different stock units and the same issue. My engine builder said to install the gear reduction starter off of a 280zx. He thinks compression is too high for the stock 510 starter. In order to get this engine to fit in the car I made some custom engine mounts. The issue I am having now is that the 280zx starter is 1.5" longer then the stock 510 unit and doesn't fit because of the engine mounts. Is there another gear reduction starter that is out there that is shorter then the ZX one? maybe out of a 4 cylinder car. Stock 510 is around 8" long if I recall.
BEO 510
Posts: 96
Joined: 02 Mar 2023 10:28
Location: Norway

Re: Starter issues

Post by BEO 510 »

Do you have a proper ground strap between engine and body.
Never had problems with 510 starters on applications like yours, including 11,5:1 compression.
SeeDub_17
Posts: 29
Joined: 07 Jan 2022 14:35
Location: Edmonton Alberta

Re: Starter issues

Post by SeeDub_17 »

I haven't ruled out that it could be a ground issue the last few days.

The wiring from the battery is all brand new. I moved the battery to the trunk and made new power and ground cables. The main ground is form the negative terminal to a bolt location on the framework for the parcel shelf. I checked it and It is bare clean metal on that bolt location, so that should be a solid ground. I also have a grounding strap in the engine bay. On one end it goes from the top passenger bellhousing bolt down and connects to a bolt on the idler arm. This one could be the one that is not grounding properly. I was thinking of relocating this to go from that bellhousing bolt down to a bolt on the transmission mount that way it threads into the chassis and makes a good connection.

The wiring does not have a size written on it, but I want to say its 6 gauge wire.

Thoughts?
iceman510
Posts: 530
Joined: 27 Jul 2015 19:05
Location: Howell, MI

Re: Starter issues

Post by iceman510 »

If the power cable is 6 gauge from the battery all the way to the starter, that is too small and can't move enough current. Usually the battery cables just in the engine compartment are 4 gauge. I used 0 or 00 fine-strand welding cable to do mine. It should probably be at least 2 gauge for that length.
datzenmike
Supporter
Posts: 6093
Joined: 24 May 2006 12:40
Location: Van. Isle.

Re: Starter issues

Post by datzenmike »

Yup, welding cable and run it through a length of garden hose for more protection. AS current flow is the same in all parts of an electrical circuit the ground strap should be the same thickness.
"Nissan 'shit the bed' when they made these, plain and simple." McShagger510 on flattop SUs
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