Should I purchase a Gear reduction Starter?

I just recently bought a new Patronix flamethrower coil and and electronic conversion kit for my hitatchi(sp) distributor in efforts to make starting my 72 240 a more reliable process. I found a gear reduction starter on ebay that has been refurbished and claims to be able to help with cold starts. If this is so then I would be more than happy to buy and replace it for my stock starter that constantly gives me problems. Will this disrupt anything else within in the engine or cause me to have to make any further modification? Can I get two cents from any one willing to offer some advice.

Gear reduction aids in high compression engine starts. If you don't have an accelerator pump, the motor will take more cranking to draw fuel at cold starts. I like the stock starter on a basically stock motor.

  JpariZ said:

.....stock starter that constantly gives me problems. Will this disrupt anything else within in the engine or cause me to have to make any further modification?

It won't disrupt anything, it's a straight bolt-in swap. But it might not make a difference. What are the problems with the starter you have?

The stock starter doesn't have any problems. I just would like a more reliable start. It takes a while to start the engine and in the cold I am lucky if the battery doesn't die before it starts.

I've been noticing the cold weather starts are becoming more difficult, requiring a longer crank to get her pumping. When it starts it only runs on three cylinders at first unless the choke is fully engaged by stepping on the gas pedal while you pull the knob back. Then go half choke after a minute or so till it is up to temp.

Biggest battery you can fit with highest cranking amp rating will help.

Got it, and the 60 amp alt.

In addition to a bigger battery, install the Ford starter solenoid and run bigger cables to your starter/battery.