I am having a problem with my starter. It is bottom mounted on a BBC. The starter is not working. I believe it was an auto starter, and I was planning on replacling it with a proper marine starter. When it did work, the start was very rough - there was a fairly loud grinding sound when the starter engaged with the fly wheel. I've heard 2 different suggestions. 1 - get a gear reduction starter and 2 - i need to add shims to the starter until the grinding stops. What is the benefit of a gear reduction starter? Thanks in advance.

It is probably already a gear reduction starter, just did one on my SBC, do not use an automotive one, possibility of going BOOM!!!!

Here is where I found the best prices.

http://www.iboats.com/boatproducts/mallsearch/starter

What do the teeth look like?

the teeth look clean on both the starter and flywheel

well I like the GM gear reduction one so much I put one on my BBC in my burb. yes a marine unit

The only physical difference between a auto starter and marine starter is the marine starter has a longer battery stud. I am saying this about the later style GM gear reduction style starter. If you use a early auto starter you could go Boom! The newer starters are miles ahead of the old high torques. They draw less power, mesh better, and last longer.

Be careful though, the market is saturated with a bunch of Chinese knock offs. They work fine on a car or truck, but they tend to corrode on marine apps. So beware of real cheap ones.

Steve H

Ahhhh---soooo! another chinese knock-off....

I have two Merc starters off 454 Mag (Mark IV). Not gear reduction, but will make you a deal on one or both. PM me if you are interested.