'69 SB 4sp Starter Clunk

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Nov 23, 2011 | 08:01 PM

tacoamerica

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From: Houston TX

'69 SB 4sp Starter Clunk

My starter would make an occasional loud clunk when I turn the key, then would turn-over fine. Then the clunk became more prevalent. Finally the car wouldn't start at all. So I replaced the starter (a Delco reman.). Now all it does is clunk when I turn the key. Tried it while getting a battery jump, still just a loud clunk. Checked all the connections at the starter. The only thing that looks suspicious is a braided ground cable that connects to the bell housing. It's hanging on by a thread. I've read other posts that say the 'clunk' sound is the solenoid, but it is loud! Also my concern is that I heard the clunk before and after I replaced the starter. Maybe the flywheel? Any observations/suggestions?

Nov 23, 2011 | 09:22 PM

fanmanbd

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From: Northern New Jersey

Have you tried any shims? Also when you have the started out take a good look at the teeth on the flywheel.

Nov 23, 2011 | 09:45 PM

tacoamerica

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From: Houston TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanmanbd

Have you tried any shims? Also when you have the started out take a good look at the teeth on the flywheel.

No, but a friend just told me about that. He said just Google "paper clip starter test" and I did. Here's one result: http://www.ehow.com/how_5904862_shim...chevrolet.html Shims are available at the local parts store.

Nov 23, 2011 | 09:51 PM

fanmanbd

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From: Northern New Jersey

Don't think you can get the paper clip in there with the bellhousing inspection plate installed. Get a few diferent thickness shims and then trial and error. Mine took 2 , one thick and 1 thin.

Nov 24, 2011 | 01:22 AM

sly vette

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From: Algonac Michigan

Make sure you have bolts that are designed for use with a G.M starter.
Regular bolts,even if they are the correct length, may cause the problem you are describing.

Nov 24, 2011 | 02:21 AM

tacoamerica

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From: Houston TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by fanmanbd

Don't think you can get the paper clip in there with the bellhousing inspection plate installed.

Actually, mine never had the inspection plate since I've owned the car. Maybe something got up in there and compromised the flywheel? That might be the reason it started clunking, because why would my old starter clunk after years of service? Shims wouldn't be the issue there.

Nov 24, 2011 | 02:27 AM

tacoamerica

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From: Houston TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by sly vette

Make sure you have bolts that are designed for use with a G.M starter.
Regular bolts,even if they are the correct length, may cause the problem you are describing.

Mine are the original stock bolts.