Starter for a 540
 

I am getting started with building my naturally aspirated 540 . It will have 9.5 compression, standard 168 tooth flywheel. Who's starter is everyone using?

Re: Starter for a 540
 

I've got the same engines and use stock starters (two seasons old)

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Tiltons are good starters but then I discovered CVR starters. I am not knocking Tilton Engineering. Having had both a Tilton and a CVR in my possession, I would go with the CVR product.
The starter comes in a shrink wrapped package inside a cardboard box with complete instructions. Starter has more adjustability for a custom fit. The gear ratio is 4.4:1 while the Tilton is a 3.75:1.
CVR and Tilton both offer 1.9hp and 3hp models.
Tilton recommended that I buy the 3hp Severe Duty after they first recommended their 1.9hp version (which I had purchased).
I wasn't sure what I needed.
The CVR distributor, Racers Depot, seemed more in tune with the applications of the CVR product line. They said no problem using the 1.9hp version due to the 4.4:1 gear reduction.
Less expensive than Tilton, I paid $270.00 shipping included.
The CVR Protorque, Part # M5323, is what I put on my 540.
Call Racers Depot for CVR Starters at 800-235-0880.

http://www.cvrproducts.com/main.html
http://tiltonracing.com/superstarters/sonicflex.html

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Great information. Thanks alot

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Are these starters explosion proof for marine use :rolleyes:

I've also used high torque starters and had a hydrolock problem (manifold leaking)that turned into change the ring gear because the starter literally ripped teeth off :eek:
My conclusion was , with 9.5 CR there's nothing wrong with stock plus it is easier on parts.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

mopower,
True that 9 1/2 is not alot of compression, but what about the extra cubic inches? How long will a stock starter hold up?

Re: Starter for a 540
 

That's great information guys for future reference. For what it's worth, I bought a 1998 boat in 2000 with 800SC's and stock starters. Never had a problem with them. Not only that, but when the motors are cold, I crank them until I have oil pressure before I start them.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Lmarth,
That's good to know. I never would have thought that could be.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Remember, most blower motors start out with much less than 9.5 : 1 CR so they will crank much easier than a built NA motor. --- JP

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Most stock starters should work fine. If you're old enough to remember stick shift cars before they had safety switches on the clutches , you could put one in 1st gear and the starter would move the entire vehicle :cool:

Re: Starter for a 540
 

mopower,

You are right, I do remember that. You can't do that anymore with newer cars. It sucks getting old.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Hey Clearman! Are you saying my motors aren't "built"?

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Now that I think about it, those GM starters didn't have any trouble starting my 12:5 to 1:00 BBC's when I was road racing. All kidding aside, you do need a little extra oompf every once in awhile.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

I tried the tilton starters and work good when they are new. Over time big problems. There really not meant for marine although they are sealed. I got stuck on the dock at a poker run and had a hell of a time getting parts at the local parts store. The motors used are out of a import car. The stock starters are available pretty much anywhere. We use a timing retard with no problems.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Yeah , tell me about it :(

Re: Starter for a 540
 

mopower--I'm with you!

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Lmarth,

Sorry about your luck :D :D :D

It takes me all night to do what I used to do all night :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

Re: Starter for a 540
 

What about the Mercruiser starters, would have to look up part number but the one used on the old 540" HP500 worked fine. I second the motion of cranking 10 secs until you get oil pressure..
Rick

Re: Starter for a 540
 

I checked out the part #'s for the factory Merc. starters. They are they same all the way to and including their 800SC motors. I guess that my starter from my 454 Magnum will do the job. I just never thought about using it.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Well Checky, let me give you some insight on using the stock starter on your Dart block.
If your starter has the hanger bracket located on the rear of housing, you are going to have to drill into the boss on your new block and tap a hole in order to use the bracket. I went to use my relatively new 10MT style starter on my Dart block and that is what I discovered.
Then, Jpclear tells me about how his stock starter sometimes has a tendency to groan while it tries to start his 540 when warm. He recommends this outfit called MES Marine, to get one of these "mini high torque starters (which is a whole other story. see attached photo). After a lot of screwing around, four starters and a ring gear later, I ended up with the CVR.
While your motor is out and you have to drill and tap the block, now is a good time to check your gear lash between the starter and the ring gear. Also check your bolt length to insure that the starter is firmly mounted and there is zero clearance between it and the block. Make sure that the bolts are not bottomed out in the block.
Remember, you are turning over a lot of mass and surface area with a 540.
I am not saying what I did is necessary. I just figured that an 11 lb. 90 amp starter was a better way to go than the 19 lb. 325 amp starter.
Have fun!
Russ

Re: Starter for a 540
 

RLW,
I didn't know about drilling the block. I am not about to do that. You convinced me, I'll check out CVR starters. What the hell, I am going for more $$$ than I had planned already, so what's another couple of hundred $$.

Re: Starter for a 540
 

Checky,
More info. I had to set the gear lash clearance with the CVR. You would have to on any of the performance starters that use the billet mounting block. Tilton recommended the same procedure.
I had to shim mine .045".
Do all of this when the motor is out of the boat and the flywheel housing is off.
Russ

Re: Starter for a 540
 

RLW,

Thanks for all the info. It will be a while until I get to that part. I am building this motor a little at a time. I just like to take the time to research things in advance while I have the time.