I wanted to take a short break this month in the 4.0
Power Series. Really more to give myself another month to get some
installs and dyno testing done that is taking longer than expected. I
wanted to take a look at an overlooked power component, the starter. I had
heard and read about MG Industries, who were making a high torque starter
for the Cherokee.
Mean Green Gear Reduction Starters
I have often been asked how to correct the starting problems that are
fairly common with the Cherokee. It is very common for the 4.0 to need a
few moments to wind up, so to speak. This is not really a starter problem
as much as an internal computer delay that the 4.0 has to get all
pressures to a proper point for starting. Now, not all Cherokee's or 4.0's
have this problem, if a problem is what it truly is. Regardless, I thought
I would give the Mean Green starter a try to see if my start times
improved. MG Industries Mean Green starter, stated from their product
flyer, provides 100% more torque than a stock starter. This is done
through 4.4 to 1 gear reduction. The unit has a 3 inch tool steel
driveshaft that is supported at both ends by roller bearings. A stainless
steel pinion shaft is externally splined to mate with the larger diameter,
internally splined driveshaft. The armature in the high speed motor is
also supported at each end with bearings. The unit also supports a 300,000
mile life expectancy and 2 year unconditional guarantee.
Additional Features
Another nice feature is the capability to rotate the starter on the mount
in 20 degree increments to allow for better clearance if needed.
Compact Size
The first things that struck me when I got the starter is its compact
size, the nicely milled rotational mount and the HUGE, and I do mean HUGE,
solenoid. This solenoid is made to work in extreme conditions of both heat
and high static compression. Both of which are tailor made for the
off-road enthusiast. In our world starters take a normal beating from the
rigors of off road use, from frequent starts to starter assisted motion.
Its obvious that the Mean Green starter is constructed for extreme
reliability and heavy duty usage.
Installation Process
Installation was a breeze, as it actually took me longer to get the old
starter off than the new one on. It is imperative that you get the
connections on good or you could encounter a problem with proper
electrical transfer. This should be a "no brainer" though, as
all electrical connections should be as solid as possible. It is easier to
get the electrical connections on prior to installing the starter. Once
installed, I tested the starting and has a few problems. I believe that
these were related to a bad electrical connection, and after I reinstalled
the starter it has worked fine ever since. The first thing you will notice
is that the Mean Green starter winds faster and sound a lot different than
the stock starter. Starting seems to be more positive with a slight
reduction in wind up time. I don't know if this is the cure that some are
looking for, but overall starting, in my opinion, is more positive. I
believe that the Mean Green starter would be a good investment for any
avid off roader. Its heavy duty construction and impressive power are
perfect for our type of usage. Furthermore, I believe that for the daily
driver it would be a good addition simply from a reliability standpoint.
As with everything that we have done in both this series and my
"Project XJ" the focus was on heavy duty, reliable function. I
believe that the Mean Green starter is just one more ideal replacement for
a run of the mill OEM part. It just goes to show that it is possible to
build a better mouse trap.
