350 Starter Defect...BE WARE
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Poteau Oklahoma
I am having to pull my motor because of the same problem and it is a 400 small block. I have tried 3 different starters and each has done the same thing, grind and then not make contact with the flywheel. I even got under the car while it was safely supported and with my bump start saw that it wasn't hitting the flywheel. Adjusted the starter worked a couple starts and then just spins the bendix. I have tried shimming and that didn't work.
David
David
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Thats a good idea. There are different flywheels and starters and combinations. I have had cars in with noisy starters but they always seem to be rebuilt with new noses or new starters. I wonder if over the years the new starter noses are the problem. I've always been in the habit of rebuilding the starter instead of replacing if the starter sounded good. I have bought rebuilt starters and installed them and when they make noise I have returned them until I get one that sounds good.There does seem to be a difference in some brands of starters.I wonder if using an old original nose would get you closer ? Yellow is your starter nose aluminum or steel, straight bolt pattern or staggered ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
DWncchs,the noses on these starters are aluminum. It is the diagonal bolt pattern. Im wondering if i need an original nosecone myself. I was debating pulling the flywheel but i just dont know what to do right now. you said there are different starters/flywheels/combos. could my flywheel really be the problem? I dont understand how any 168 tooth flexplates could be different in diameter.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I dont either and trying to measure one for a comparison for a .050 difference is probably going to be tough. I think you should try and see if you can find a variation in the nosecones by leaving the solenoid off and measuring the clearance between flywheel and bendix gear.
