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So tonight after work went to start my 77 and the starter engaged and turned the engine, I let off and the engine didn't start and there was a clunk. I then went to turn it over again and the starter just span without turning the engine. Really worried about this as I have a suprise road trip planned with my dad next week..
Is this a factory style replacement starter or one of those high torque shorty ones.
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
Is this a factory style replacement starter or one of those high torque shorty ones.
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
DUB
Hey, thanks for your reply! As far as I know it is the original starter motor, it's been fine until now then bam.. Will have to look at the shim kit and what one mine is, can see two listed as you said:
My 75 did that and the gear on the starter was broken in half. Half was missing, half was still there.
.
Hey, thanks for your help, I guess the only way to tell is to take the starter off? Is it fairly simple to do? Will be borrowing some tools to have a proper look tomorrow.
Hey, thanks for your help, I guess the only way to tell is to take the starter off? Is it fairly simple to do? Will be borrowing some tools to have a proper look tomorrow.
Hey, thanks for your help, I guess the only way to tell is to take the starter off? Is it fairly simple to do? Will be borrowing some tools to have a proper look tomorrow.
That's what we refer to as the Bendix.
It's likely that or the starter solenoid. (my bet is the Bendix as your fan "just" moves when the starter is engaged)
Both are relatively easy to install with standard hand tools.
Either way the starter will need to come out.
Starter removal is pretty straight forward.
Take some photos of the wiring PRIOR to removal so you can easily reconnect upon install.
FYI: that doesn't sound like a stock starter - possibly some mini-starter.
Last edited by Hammerhead Fred; Jun 12, 2018 at 05:03 PM.
That's what we refer to as the Bendix.
It's likely that or the starter solenoid. (my bet is the Bendix as your fan "just" moves when the starter is engaged)
Both are relatively easy to install with standard hand tools.
Either way the starter will need to come out.
Starter removal is pretty straight forward.
Take some photos of the wiring PRIOR to removal so you can easily reconnect upon install.
FYI: that doesn't sound like a stock starter - possibly some mini-starter.
Thanks Fred, I've managed to get a refurbished one from eBay so will see if that does it, really hope it does otherwise won't be much of a road trip!
Ok one more problem I've found, the engine isn't original as I guess most aren't now, but now I don't know what starter motor fits it!
VIN: 10D145797
Engine code: V0114CNR
3970010
When I search it comes up as a Caprice/Bel Air/Kingswd 300hp 1970 350. Is this right? If so anyone have any idea what starter it needs?
Pretty much the same 10MT starter fits all 69-81 350 automatic small block chevy motors. That said; your potential issues with the one you already ordered could be the starter nose (may not bolt up) and more importantly the number of teeth on your flywheel. Your odds aren't terrible but you won't know until you get the new one. On the plus side, it's possible you can swap the nose if that's the issue. If it's the tooth count you may well be back at square one.
Thanks for all the replies guys, good to know there is a helpful community for times like this! For anyone interested, I managed to source a new starter and get the old one off yesterday. Can you spot what the issue was?!
UHHHH....let me take a good look. Well it seems the starter on the bottom is a bit greasy and that caused your problem???...OR...
The end housing snapped off and that caused your armature to no longer be centered and THAT was the problem.
I am going with my second observation.
Back to reality...glad you took it off and found that a new starter will do the trick. But also MAKE SURE that the starter is connected to that bracket that supports the end of the armature housing to make the starter solidly mounted. IF you do not use that support bracket at the end of the armature housing...the starter can flex/move. YES..I have worked on so many starters where this bracket is missing or not connected...but that is NOT the point.
Need help - starter motor not engaging engine
