Swapped flywheel?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Swapped flywheel?
The saga continues....
I put a brand-new Bosch starter in my 1989. Now when I turn the key it sounds like a drill under the hood and the engine is not turning. I suspect at some point in the vehicle's past the stock flywheel was swapped for a 305 flywheel.
1. Does this sound like the problem?
2. If so, whats the best way to confirm this? Would the simple thing be to get a 305 starter and try it out?
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
I put a brand-new Bosch starter in my 1989. Now when I turn the key it sounds like a drill under the hood and the engine is not turning. I suspect at some point in the vehicle's past the stock flywheel was swapped for a 305 flywheel.
1. Does this sound like the problem?
2. If so, whats the best way to confirm this? Would the simple thing be to get a 305 starter and try it out?
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 31
From: Australia
Makes no difference.
SBC flywheels only come in two sizes;
153 tooth and 168 tooth.Yours has 153
If flywheel worked before starter change then I suspect a problem with your new starter or it's alignment Possibly starter needs shimming to align correctly
SBC flywheels only come in two sizes;
153 tooth and 168 tooth.Yours has 153
If flywheel worked before starter change then I suspect a problem with your new starter or it's alignment Possibly starter needs shimming to align correctly
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,299
Likes: 2,219
From: Central Maryland
Your description leads me to believe that it's possible that the new starter has a bad drive clutch that's just freewheeling, rather than locking the gear to the armature. Do you hear any grinding noise, etc?
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,299
Likes: 2,219
From: Central Maryland
Live well,
SJW
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When you apply 12V to a starter, you'll see the shaft kick out and spin. (It extends quite a bit to engage the starter.) It sounds like your might only be spinning.
Easy to check it by pulling it and watching what 12V does. You could even use the normal wiring while the unit was not mounted.
Easy to check it by pulling it and watching what 12V does. You could even use the normal wiring while the unit was not mounted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: Central Maryland
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
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Ok as I read and thought about it, I figured that the starter wasn't shimmed enough, but it took a $65 tow (my house is not conducive to working on 'Vettes) and a $91 mechanic bill to figure out that indeed it needed more shims. I believe a box of shims are about $3 from Advance, but this one cost me over $150!
Just wanted to let y'all know in case it comes up again.
Just wanted to let y'all know in case it comes up again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 187
From: Earth
I've been having starter problems like what you described all this summer. Still haven't fig. it out yet. I went from the OEM flywheel to a SPEC aluminum. I'm on my 3rd starter as of now it is just spins..I have not found the time to take it out yet nor do I care as summer is over here in the armpit of PA!!
