problem with new mini starter
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
problem with new mini starter
hey guys ,
i just switched to a mini starter .when i crank the veh it sounds fine but as soon as the engine starts i hear it grind .i would assume the when this happens the engine rpm has exceded the starter rpm ans should alow the starter to retract but ???? i played with shims ( 1 shimto no shim )and it didnt help ...any info you guys may have would be great
i just switched to a mini starter .when i crank the veh it sounds fine but as soon as the engine starts i hear it grind .i would assume the when this happens the engine rpm has exceded the starter rpm ans should alow the starter to retract but ???? i played with shims ( 1 shimto no shim )and it didnt help ...any info you guys may have would be great
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
When I installed my ministarter, I also played with the shims as it didn't sound right. I had a shop shim it for me while they had it for other work, and I was told that they had to "shim one side", as in, only put a shim under one bolt to angle the starter to get it to line up correctly. It is better now, but every now and then it will still grind when I first turn the key.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Hmm, my only guess is that it needs to be shimmed off the block a bit if it is locking in the flywheel. You should be able to see what is going on through the dustcover. Make sure you only do this if you are in a pit or something and have proper eye protection. I wouldn't suggest it necessarily, but I did it to verify everything looked good in motion when I did mine...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I have two mini starters, one for my original 350 and a new one for my 383. Both of them have holes bigger than the bolt and all the starter bolts I looked at had the knurling in the wrong place. The guy I bought my second starter from gave me a pair of stainless steel sleeves that fit over the bolt and fits snug in the starter. I have no idea where you might get these but maybe if you check with some of the starter companies they could supply you with them. Maybe even a hardware store may have something that would work, they look just like a big roll pin, they are split lengthwise so they conform better. I'm not sure if this would cure your problems but it sure can't hurt to have the starter perfectly square to the engine.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
Originally Posted by Midnight 85
I have two mini starters, one for my original 350 and a new one for my 383. Both of them have holes bigger than the bolt and all the starter bolts I looked at had the knurling in the wrong place. The guy I bought my second starter from gave me a pair of stainless steel sleeves that fit over the bolt and fits snug in the starter. I have no idea where you might get these but maybe if you check with some of the starter companies they could supply you with them. Maybe even a hardware store may have something that would work, they look just like a big roll pin, they are split lengthwise so they conform better. I'm not sure if this would cure your problems but it sure can't hurt to have the starter perfectly square to the engine.
