C2Dude

As I continue to sort my 66 L-79 vert there is an issue I could use some confirmation on. Since purchasing her back in November I have probably started her three dozen times. Twice, as I turn the key, I got a loud crunch noise. Immediately let go of the key, wait a second and attempt a re-start. Always started fine the second attempt. So two times out of three dozen, am I looking at a bad tooth on the flywheel or a sketchy starter solenoid?

Avispa

Either of those could be the cause of your noise. You may also need to shim the starter away from the block. You should be able to insert wire from a paper clip between the root of the flywheel teeth and the crest of a starter tooth, or vice versa, when the starter drive gear is pushed out to the flywheel. The starter will sound really good when it's shimmed properly as in no grinding noise or screeching.

MikeM

Might also be a bad starter drive.

Gold Dragon

C2Dude

Well I was not looking to get into a major project like that so soon in the ownership process but I had thought seriousally about putting in a 5 speed. That would give me the opportunity to address the flywheel, freshen up the clutch and such. Hope to have a lift toward the end of the season which might give me the courage to attempt all of this.

R66

Shimming the starter is not a big deal on the C2. You can add a factory shim without removing the starter. I would disconnect the battery for safety. You loosen both bolts to get a 1/16" gap or so. Slide the slotted end of the shim around the inside bolt. Remove the outer bolt and align the shim to the bolt hole, then reinstall the bolt and tighten both bolts. Worth a shot.