improving conductivity of starter

Scott H

Scott H

Well-known member
Before I mount my starter I was wondering if there is a recommended product that will enhance the conductivity between the starter and the bellhousing.
I have the starter face squeeky clean as well as the mounting ring of the bellhousing.
Dielectric grease would help keep out moisture and dirt but it may act as an electrical insulator as well, potentially causing a poor connection.

Anybody use anything on the starter face before mounting it?
 
Scott H said:
Before I mount my starter I was wondering if there is a recommended product that will enhance the conductivity between the starter and the bellhousing.
I have the starter face squeeky clean as well as the mounting ring of the bellhousing.
Dielectric grease would help keep out moisture and dirt but it may act as an electrical insulator as well, potentially causing a poor connection.

Anybody use anything on the starter face before mounting it?
Click to expand...
Like you, I make certain there is no grease and no paint present. Then I apply a thin coat of die-electric grease. I prefer that as it does not dry out.
My assemblies" spin like you would desire.
I would suggest chasing the threads of both the bell housing (oi pan) and the starter bolts to be certain these too, have no paint upon them.
Of course none of the above does much good unless the starter is properly rebuilt.
 
Along with the comments above, a good ground is very important, and the best place is on the engine block from the battery. :)
 
Make sure your starter has 6 volt brushes in it. 12 volt brushes will fit and this is what you get at many parts outlets. The braded wire is larger on the 6 volt ones.
 
use the dielectric grease. It will prevent rust between the two surfaces. We used it in when bonding cabinet together and it works good.
Butch
 
With regard to all of the suggestions to use dielectric grease keep in mind that such grease does not conduct electricity, it just prevents corrosion, so put it on real thin. The metal still has to touch through the grease to conduct the electricity.
 
In addition to what others have said, make sure you use the little sheet metal support bracket that attaches to a main starter bolt on the back of the starter and to one oil pan bolt. Not only does it provide the necessary support/stability for the starter, it also provide another path for grounding, Make sure all surfaces are clean there as well and the use of internal/external tooth star washers may also be beneficial. Those brackets are available from many of the old Ford parts suppliers at ~ $4-$5.00 or you could easily make one.
 
Yea, on the brackett that connects the front of the starter to the block. I laughed at the parts dealer and said....Why should I buy one when I can make one at no cost. I used a piece of aluminum stock and spent two hours of misery in fabricating the piece. Such is the world of amateur mechanics.:rolleyes:
 
Thanks everyone!
Jerry - looks like I've got the larger diameter wire on the brushes.
John - it didn't have the bracket but I already ordered and received one..good points
Prof. Henry - I'll do a light smear of loctite dielectric
Terry - good point on the washers, I only had 1 flat washer when taking it apart
Kube - threads on bolts and in bellhousing already cleaned, but thanks for the tip
 
Add an extra cable from a starter bolt to end of battery ground cable...star washer cuts in and makes more positive contact, grease prevents the star washer cuts from becoming rusty!
 
You might consider using anti-seize on the mounting bolt threads. This will prevent corrosion, displace oil, and anti-seize is conductive unlike dielectric grease.

COE Dan
 
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