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Just bought a 71 C3 that had an off frame restore with 383 stroker and 5 speed tremec with most everything new, rebuilt, or replaced.
Unfortunately I need help already and can't even drive it yet. The prior owner threw in a napa 2461091 reman ac delco high torque starter last week to get it ready to sell. The issue is that it pulls away from flywheel/mount when torquing mounting bolts or after a few starts. If I am lucky enough to get it to mount 'right' it works perfectly until it moves and yes, I torqued to spec and tried with/without shims. I think the flywheel seems ok yet but don't want to keep grinding away.
Can someone please confirm the flywheel is still okay and recommend a good starter. Or is maybe this one just defective. I've seen some high torque ones but they seem to have a square mount without a cap. Not sure how that is supposed to work
But that Bendix is shot. Looks like it was only engaging part way and bent some teeth. This could have happened when someone accidently cranks on the IGN key while its running. Makes an awful noise and can damage the goods.
Are the blocks threaded holes stripped? Are you using knurled bolts and are they the proper length? Somethings not right here.
Wrong starter, wrong mount. How many teeth does the flywheel have? The starter has to match. I believe its either 153 T or 168 T.
If you want to keep the old starter, you can remove the solenoid and nose cone to replace the bendix. Install a brown ceramic heavy duty solenoid.
I sure wouldn't buy a $200 starter until this issue is resolved.
Congrats on your Vette. That ring gear is done. Ring gears can be replace separate of the flywheel although I've never seen one done. As far as the starter goes, get a PMGR type starter and chuck that NAPA starter. The nose of that starter looks a bit odd for your application.
You took excellent photos, so the quality of sharpness is at the mercy of our lap-top screens.
In one photo the flywheel teeth look compromised. In another photo the teeth don't look . . . . . . . . .too bad.
However, in one photo it almost looks like the clutch plate is over-lapping the flywheel teeth. If that is what's going on, that certainly would explain why the Bendix looks like it needs to go to the dentist.
I guess your only option now is to pull the tranny for a better visual about the clutch.
Count teeth, check starters compatibility with that ring gear count, check throw-out bearing, etc.
There are two different flywheels, two different starters to match.
The ring gear is bad but you may get away with it for a while......does your current starter use knurled shoulder bolts? This is important....and probably why yours is moving.
When you replace all of this....I recommend the CVR 5323 Starter.....it will be the last one you ever buy.
However, in one photo it almost looks like the clutch plate is over-lapping the flywheel teeth. If that is what's going on, that certainly would explain why the Bendix looks like it needs to go to the dentist.
This forum doesn't disappoint. This is great feedback. Seems like what I thought, flywheel (ring gear) is questionable and starter is a POS. I'm leaning towards a whole new flywheel since they really aren't that expensive and same amount of work and the CVR 5323 starter. Luckily a buddy has a lift and trans stand
1971 C3 starter/flywheel fun
