Problem installing a starter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 175
Likes: 188
From: Puget Sound, WA
Problem installing a starter
I have a 72 LT-1 with the 4 speed transmission. My starter died, so I got a remanufactured one at the local NAPA. However the gear does not mate up to the flywheel when the solenoid engages, not even close. Shims do not help. It’s like it was made for a flywheel with a coarser tooth pitch. Of course I already turned in my core so I can’t compare. The parts counter swears it is the correct starter and there are no other part numbers for a 72 350 with a manual transmission. Is it possible that the LT-1 had a different flywheel? I’ve never had this problem with starter replacements before. What am I missing?
Last edited by troporobo; Mar 8, 2024 at 04:15 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,356
Likes: 6,328
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
What part number did they sell you?
There are 2 different flywheels that could be installed on your engine. The stock flywheel is a 168 tooth flywheel that is 14.13" in diameter. Earlier engines and cars use a 153-tooth flywheel which is a smaller diameter. Starters for the 168-tooth flywheel have a "staggered" both pattern. The 153-tooth starters have the bolt holes directly in line with each other.
There are 2 different flywheels that could be installed on your engine. The stock flywheel is a 168 tooth flywheel that is 14.13" in diameter. Earlier engines and cars use a 153-tooth flywheel which is a smaller diameter. Starters for the 168-tooth flywheel have a "staggered" both pattern. The 153-tooth starters have the bolt holes directly in line with each other.
Last edited by lars; Mar 8, 2024 at 05:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 175
Likes: 188
From: Puget Sound, WA
The part number is 246-1091 with a staggered bolt pattern that matches my block. It looks like the solenoid gear should match right up to the flywheel, as in it’s maybe 1-2 mm off from where it should be, but the teeth on the solenoid gear look too coarse for the teeth on the flywheel. The flywheel does not seem to be the wrong diameter for the starter, it just doesn’t mesh. FWIW the part number on the flywheel seems to be 3878468N or maybe 3078468N. This isn’t my first SBC starter, but I must be missing something!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,494
Likes: 1,929
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Look around your area for a shop that rebuilds starters. We are fortunate here in Tampa to have a shop that rebuilds starters alternators and old school generators. They have a huge collection of parts. Jerry
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 175
Likes: 188
From: Puget Sound, WA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,737
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
I had all kinds of engagement issues with different starters until I bought this. Didn't even need shims.
https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...sdr0031-l.html
https://www.dbelectrical.com/product...sdr0031-l.html
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,356
Likes: 6,328
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The part number is 246-1091 with a staggered bolt pattern that matches my block.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
That DB Electrical unit:
That unit doesn't even mention that it fits GM.
Talks about forklift trucks and boat engines.
The ad should ask for the number of teeth on the flywheel, which tranny and what yr.
Did that fit your Vette Dawson?
Cheap enough.
That unit doesn't even mention that it fits GM.
Talks about forklift trucks and boat engines.
The ad should ask for the number of teeth on the flywheel, which tranny and what yr.
Did that fit your Vette Dawson?
Cheap enough.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,720
Likes: 1,625
From: Fairfax Virginia
NEVER turn in ANY Original Corvette Core! There are plenty of companies that will rebuild your core for you, if they don't then find another shop.
I had trouble with my factory starter and even after having it rebuilt the starter was not able to spin my engine very quickly. I finally got smart and bought a Hitachi Gear Drive Starter from Summit rated for engines with up to 16-1 compression . The gear drive's motor could be rotated if necessary but bolted right on for me. The gear driver starter was a great investment as the starting issues went away and I have not had to deal with it in more than 2 decades.
The very best $200 I ever spent and I still have the original for anyone down the road who wants to restore this C3 I have. This gear drive starter I have makes a Corvette crank faster like a Chrysler does and this helps get it started right off when you crank it over. I also pull 20* of timing to further assist my engine to start up but that is because of the 12.25-1 Compression ratio.
I had trouble with my factory starter and even after having it rebuilt the starter was not able to spin my engine very quickly. I finally got smart and bought a Hitachi Gear Drive Starter from Summit rated for engines with up to 16-1 compression . The gear drive's motor could be rotated if necessary but bolted right on for me. The gear driver starter was a great investment as the starting issues went away and I have not had to deal with it in more than 2 decades.
The very best $200 I ever spent and I still have the original for anyone down the road who wants to restore this C3 I have. This gear drive starter I have makes a Corvette crank faster like a Chrysler does and this helps get it started right off when you crank it over. I also pull 20* of timing to further assist my engine to start up but that is because of the 12.25-1 Compression ratio.