Mini-Starter Advantage?

[Stage1]

What are the advantages of the mini-starters for the 6.2 engine? Considering whether to use one?

thanks,
Les

[NH2112]

I'm not sure what you mean by a "mini-starter." I've seen them for small blocks in Summit catalogs, but never for a diesel. Are you talking about gear-reduction starters? Their advantage is they generally draw fewer amps to crank the engine over, and they're a little lighter which means slightly less damage to your hand when the starter falls at just the moment when you think it's safe to stop supporting it fully and get a better grip on it to remove it.

[Stage1]

Phil,

Gear-reduction is what I mean, they are available for the 6.2 diesel, however not sure what the application/vehicle fit is. Have a chance to purchase one, not sure if it is worth the cost?
Both GM and interwest make/or made them.
thanks,
Les

[Quack_Addict]

I have seen quite a few of the gear reduction starters for SBC's. How many teeth are there on a 6.2/6.5L flywheel / flex plate? Make sure this number matches with the starter's capability.

[crew84]

When I rebuilt my engine I also bought a new gear reduction starter that was not a factory unit. It turned over my engine fine when it was cold. It just did not have the rpm to quickly hot start my engine. I did not think it was the starter at first so I changed batteries and cables. I finally put back my old starter that I got with the truck 200+K ago and no more problems. I heard that it was a common problem with the after-market starters from a diesel shop.

[ZZ]

The 6.5L gear reduction starter works fine on a 6.2L. I've used several of them over the years. They start better and are easier on the batteries.

[crew84]

I heard the same about the GM factory 6.5L starters being good. As I understand it he questioned the non GM factory mini starters.