I'm in starter hell... help!

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Oct 30, 2007 | 08:40 PM

#21

KENS78SILVERANNIV

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 7,226

Likes: 399

From: Northern CA

Thanks for all of the advice. I'm still trying to figure this out. Heading back to the auto parts store for my 4th Delco starter in 3 months.

I tried to shim the starter... and nothing seems to help. The starter either grinds like hell or doesn't engage the bendix.

I'll keep you posted.

By the way... does anybody know which starter I should have... the 153 tooth ... or the 168 tooth?

Thanks.

Oct 31, 2007 | 02:48 AM

#22

ghostrider20

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 8,913

Likes: 283

What do the teeth of the starter gear look like on these bad starters? IIRC, they are a softer metal, and will wear in place of the ring gear?

If the starter gear is chewed up (they have a tapered end so that is normal), you have an alignment problem, or the wrong starter/gear.

Go to your local auto electric rebuilder and get one from him. Those cheap Prep Boys / Advance garbage are just that.

Take that starter to the rebuilder and he will most likely have one on the shelf ready to go.

Mark

Oct 31, 2007 | 01:31 PM

#23

glenn64vette

Racer

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 438

Likes: 1

From: Hunington Beach California

Quote:

Originally Posted by KENS78SILVERANNIV

Now on my 3rd AC Delco starter in 6 months. Same symptoms every time. I replace the starter... it works great for about 2-months. Then... it all begins again.

The starter spins good and strong... but the bendix won't engage. If I rock the car in gear... it engages and grabs the fly wheel... but makes a hell of a racket.

Eventually...I go between spinning the starter...and rocking the car in gear and it will start.

I've checked all the connections.... and they are solid. Battery is strong... 12V making it to the starter no problem.

Fly wheel teeth are perfect.... I've checked every inch of it!

QUESTION #1: Do I need to shim the starter? Is that the problem? It's very loud. Very, very loud. And... how do I know if it needs to be shimmed?

QUESTION #2: Are all of these AC Delco rebuilt starters...crap? Could it just be that I've gotten 3 bad ones in a row?

QUESTION#3: Is it a result of "heat soak"? The starter seems to work when it's cold...and deteriorates when it warms up.

Help!....and Thanks for any Help!

327-300hp 4-speed. 1966 - Coupe.

I actually had a simular problem with an Iron-nose Delco. Switched to a Powermaster and no more problems. Seems the Delcos have problems.