Starter Problems help! 168 tooth
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Starter Problems help! 168 tooth
I just installed a 72 350 into my car, runs awsome! but the problem im having is the starter only works once, then grinds and makes horrible noises. I have 168tooth flywheel and starter with diagonal bolts. I have tried shimming and cannot get it right, i have gone through 3 starters today, cracking the noses off each one. Its strange because sometimes it works, then the next second its wayyy misaligned and will not crank, im afraid of chipping the flywheel. After some research i saw that starters with diagonal bolt pattern are a nightmare to keep secured/aligned without the factory brace that goes to the block. Is this true? Another option i was told is to use a straight bolt mini high torque starter and be done with it. I really need to resolve this problem and any help or tips is greatly appreciated! Thanks In Advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
It should be shimmed so a paper clip will slide between the gears. Pull the starter gear to the flexplate with a screwdriver, shim one or both bolts to get the gap right. Are you using the original knurled bolts?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The diagonal aluminum nose starter is correct and shims take it further away from the ring gear. Most applications dont need them. There is a later model GM starter {Delco} that is a direct replacement, looks the same except smaller and is actually a reduction starter.....You should check the ring gear as the broken noses is probably from being shimmed and the drive is not deep enough into the ring gear striking too high on the teeth or on top of the teeth. I would recommend the later model Delco and without shims....It is also used with the later model 454`s. Stay away from those aftermarket hot rod minis, they too have there problems that you dont need.....
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Missouri City Texas
Had to replace my 168th Flywheel, after several starter malfunctions. The teeth where worn, caused by one starter with the nose broken. It took 3 starters from Oreillys to find one that finally worked correctly.
IronCross is right, the GM Delco Starters are best, and do not get heat soaked as easily.
Get it right so you won't have to replace the flywheel, like me.
IronCross is right, the GM Delco Starters are best, and do not get heat soaked as easily.
Get it right so you won't have to replace the flywheel, like me.
