l0rens
04-02-2015, 10:11 PM
Our Cobra was completed in 2011. The car is not heavily used. The engine is a Ford 302 bored and stroked to 347. It dynoed 385 HP at the crank. Our starter has failed several times when the upper mounting flange cracks. Before we buy another stock ford starter we're wondering if we should be purchasing another type of starter, perhaps something with a billet construction. Has anyone else had this problem? I had no luck searching the forum for starter failure problems.
frankeeski
04-02-2015, 11:10 PM
You need to give us a bit more info. Which "stock Ford starter"? Is it the early starter with a remote solenoid or the smaller high torque starter used in the later models?
edwardb
04-03-2015, 06:07 AM
Agree with Frank's comment -- which starter type? To your larger question, is this a common problem? No, haven't seen it. If this has happened several times, then something else is wrong. Misalignment, loose bolts, bell housing, flywheel, etc. Does it sound normal when in use, e.g. no grinding or bad noises? Assume a stock Ford aluminum bell housing? Is the block plate installed? Which motor mounts? Stock or aftermarket? Any chance the engine is moving enough to contact the chassis? There's a 3/4 tube that runs pretty close to the starter. Any sign of contact?