anyone running a 36 or 48v onboard battery in a dragster?

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by TD264, Aug 4, 2016.

  1. TD264

    TD264 New Member

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    Seeing if anyone is using a crank mount RCD starter on their self-starting dragster? if so what battery pack are you using to supply power? I like the Automan battery pack, just seeing if their are any better options (smaller, lighter, easier to mount) before I buy it.

    Thanks,
    Keith Tucker
    Keller, TX
     
    #1
    TD264, Aug 4, 2016
  2. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
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    We run an RCD crank mounted starter on Dee Kruse's "Kruse Missile" Top Dragster. Very tough. We have not had any problems for going on 3 years with ours since we had the armature upgraded to the 5/8 hex drive.

    We use Larry Miersch's batteries mounted on board (48v). We had a charger fail (showed the batteries were good). It had been acting up for probably 6 months, so the batteries probably ran all those races without a charge before it went down. We borrowed a charger and were back in business in 30 minutes. I guess we are good on charging until the offseason..

    If you have the room, the on board crank starter is the only way to go. You just need to make damn sure you engage the dog before you hit the switch.
     
    #2
    Will Hanna, Aug 4, 2016
  3. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
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    I have a crank mount starter bracket if you need one.
     
    #3
    Will Hanna, Aug 4, 2016
  4. TD264

    TD264 New Member

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    Thanks, we have the room and we will be running TD...if we ever get it completed! I have the bracket stuff off of our drag boat. Thanks again for the info.
     
    #4
    TD264, Aug 4, 2016
  5. Comax Racing

    Comax Racing Member

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    Sorry to hijack but I would like some clarification. I looked at the RCD website at the crank mount starters like the ones talked about in this thread. So how does it all work. Does the starter stay on the engine during the run? If you remove it doesn't that make the car non self starting? Or the fact that the batteries are onboard makes it "self starting" I'm beginning a Top Dragster build also and want all the info I can get.

    Thanks
    Corey
     
    #5
    Comax Racing, Aug 5, 2016
  6. TADHemiracer

    TADHemiracer Member

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    I have been using a mid/motor plate mounted 24V starter for years with next to no issues. I carry 2 12V batteries on board in the unusual event that the motor may die after the burnout and they are enough to self start the warmed engine any time before the run, even after the run if I want to. Of course that requires a ring gear and it's own issues but still a viable option. 10# starter and 20 pounds in batteries to make it self starting. These are my experiences, I am sure others have other suggestions.
     
    #6
    TADHemiracer, Aug 5, 2016
  7. Will Hanna

    Will Hanna We put the 'inside' in Top Alcohol
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    The crank mount starter is primarily used by boat racers and tractor pullers. If you have room it is by far the toughest and most powerful starter option you have. Some elect to carry the batteries on board, some do remote. The only thing is you just have to remember to have someone engage the starter dog each time you try to start.

    It bolts to the starter mount cage and stays on board. it's basically the same as the A/Fuel starter except you leave it bolted in instead of a twist mount removable deal.

    It's a heavier set up, but much more powerful and reliable.
     
    #7
    Will Hanna, Aug 8, 2016
  8. TD264

    TD264 New Member

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    When you put it all together keep the end gap between the starting dogs around .060.
     
    #8
    TD264, Aug 9, 2016
  9. TOL

    TOL Active Member

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    Will is there some way that a fixed crank mounted starter deal can be setup so that an extra person does not have to engage the dog each time?
     
    #9
    TOL, Jun 8, 2017

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