Julius Rosenthal

Starter isn't engaging. I was wondering if anybody could look at these pictures and judge whether the flywheel teeth are worn down or if I can keep using it?

CA-Legal-Vette

Flexplate, not flywheel and no, I don’t think it’s a goner. Do you have shims under the starter motor?

DUB

Your photos do not show how far down the teeth have been worn down. So..by looking a these photos it is had to say. I do see what looks like wear...but like I wrote..it is hard to say.

Also...you did not mention IF shims are being used or any other particulars such as IF you are installing a new starter.

DUB

ronarndt

As others have suggested- shims might be the answer. I had a couple older cars with a lot more wear than on your flexplate and the starter gear still engaged enough surface on the flexplate to start the car. See if you can move the starter a little closer. Also- DUB's question- did you install a different starter where the clearance might be affected by different mounting bolt position?

domenic tallarita

You have great advice here and I would use it. The starter shim is a great Idea, but don't forget the bendix gear bearing wear along with starter shaft wear, that will also space the gear away from the flex plate starter ring. I would use it.

Dom

derekderek

Tops of teeth ground like starter too close. Made them ugly. Didnt really hurt them. Add shim.

ignatz

The test as I remember is being able to snugly fit a paper clip between the teeth of a fully extended starter motor and the ring gear.