Starter problems...any ideas?

[Chevelle454]

Hi guys,

It's been awhile since I've been on here (a couple years), but I decided to finish the truck I started years ago. I'm working with a 1972 Chev C20 350/TH350. I'm having some difficulties with the starter, though...

The gears on the starter and flexplate don't seem to be locking together as tightly as they should, at least as far as I can tell. When I turn the key to start the truck, the starter whines loudly and sometimes skips teeth and grinds. I look at the flexplate teeth and it looks like the starter gear only extends half-way into them. When I look at the gears mesh together they also have quite a gap, more than the instructions with the starter says it should have.

I have replaced the original starter, and then replaced it again with the one I have now. This is also the second flexplate. The first one got chewed up so bad I had to replace it. There are no shims in the starter, and I have tried different shim combinations to see if anything would make it better but no luck.

Do I possibly have to remove some material from the starter to make it mate up to the engine block better? Maybe a different starter? Please help if you have any ideas...

Thanks
Scott

[Ironhead]

Chevelle454 - Never had to remove any material from the starter. But sometimes getting the starter shimmed correctly can be a problem. There have been threads posted recently identifying starter problems such as yours. If you go to the top of this forum and do a seach: "shimming starter" you will get about a dozen related threads. One I posted detailing shimming to obtain the correct flexplate to pinion gap along with some very good ideas and suggestions from other board members - take a look at a few of them you might find something helpful... good luck...

[eedgell]

If you have gone through starters and fly wheels, I would look at the starter its self. Mostley GM starters mount and engage well, occasionaly you will have to shim. I dont know where you buy your parts, But if the case its self is not delco then I would look for one! Aftermarket starters have long been available, years ago they were all delco cases, but then brand x got in on the game and has brought us to today. Find a case that is stamped AC Delco or Delco Remy, and chances are it will work fine. The internals dont matter as much as the case for propper fit. That is my experience any way. Find a "starter alternator rebuild shop for starters, you will find better quality stuff there than a parts house.

[OLDIRON69]

[Chevelle454]

Alright... thanks for the help guys, it gives me a place to start looking. Appreciate it...

Scott

[pat]

I played with shims on mine forever, finally took a brand new starter with no shims and it worked perfect.

[cdowns]

i've found the aftermarket gear drive hi torque starters are alot more adjustable than stock type and they start better too especially chrome ones

[Chevelle454]

I took the grinder to the starter and took a little metal off. It works great now, quiet and smooth like it should be. Thanks for the help guys!!

Scott

[AR15DEFENSE]

another way to move the bendix gear closer to the flexplate is to cut a shim in half (the short way) and use the outside piece only. use an 1/8th" drill bit as a feeler gauge between the flexplate and bendix shaft to judge if you need further adjustments