gear reduction starters

[jaredts]

Not much free time with daylight, but I've been searching all over the internet and trying to remember the other chevy's I've had.  I don't find a direct answer anywhere as to what's supposed to be there.  Unless someone corrects me here is what I think is supposed to be there:
(1) 10 gauge wire protected by 14 ga. fusible link about 4 1/2" long
(2) 12 gauge wires connected into a single 14 ga. fusible link about 4 1/2" long
Both fusible links connected together into a single heavy duty eyelet for 3/8" diameter stud (for solenoid stud).
Its a little confusing because all conventional wisdom is add 4 to the wire gage size for the fusible link size, but there are two wires connected together into a single fusible link from the factory, I believe. 
I'll try and post some pics up of my repair and the new starter in the next couple of days.

[bake74]

      It is dark outside or else I would look at my truck, but that sounds like what I have on my step side.

[jaredts]

Thanks, Bake.  I got the fusible links in and starter on, but I haven't tried it yet.  Out in the dark with a flashlight I tightened up the solenoid connections and then notice that the connector to the solenoid from the battery cable has to be modified.  No big deal but its pouring down rain so I won't get this buttoned up until tomorrow.

[bake74]

    Good luck, tell us how it turns out.

[jaredts]

I got it all finished last night with a flashlight of all things.  The rain finally stopped and I figured I had better do it while I can.  I got everything connected and jumped in the cab, turned the key and nothing.  No lights, no buzzer.  I thought "how could I have screwed up the fusible links"?  Then I look down and the headlight switch is on.  Dead battery.  My wife drove the truck last and that was the only time she has driven it.  No automatic headlight or buzzer to warn that you've left them on.  Anyway, a battery charge later it cranks up nice and fast.  This gear reduction unit sounds like a four cylinder starter.  That little motor is spinning its ?@! off like a hamster in a wheel.

[bake74]

No lights, no buzzer.  I thought "how could I have screwed up the fusible links"?  Then I look down and the headlight switch is on.  Dead battery.  My wife drove the truck last and that was the only time she has driven it.  No automatic headlight or buzzer to warn that you've left them on. 

  AHH wife's, love them to death.  Can't live without them and can't kill them either.  No really I do love my wife to death.

[jaredts]

This is the only picture I was able to take as it was dark most of the time I was working on it (and I was in a rush).  Big difference between the old and new starter.  Notice my old one doesn't have any copper tube spacers between the solenoid connection and motor lead and also has a straight motor instead of a stepped down one.  Apparently this makes it a light duty starter not typically used on anything larger than a 307.

[1980c10]

I don't get the point of having the distribution block and have eliminated mine. I went with a gear reduction starter in my truck as well I like it much better than stock.

[jaredts]

It's been installed for several days now and I can confidently say i'm thrilled with this starter.  Much faster startups and the battery shouldn't get drained.  I'm off to fix the 43,000 other things my truck needs.

[bake74]

  I'm off to fix the 43,000 other things my truck needs.

     LOL, are you sure that is all.