C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Hitachi Style Mini starter install????

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Old Jul 10, 2004 | 01:47 PM
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From: Hudson OH
Default Hitachi Style Mini starter install????

I'm trying to get my BB going and I've hit what seems to be a snag. Has anyone ever installed one of these style starters?

I've got the correct clearance from the face of the pinion to the flexplate and it's hard to say what I've got for the pinion depth. But here's the problem: the difference between a few shims and about a 1/4" stack is nill. The starter will engauge and spin the motor with no problems but will not disengauge. Mind you, this motor hasn't been started in years, so I'm just bumping the starter to check operation as the header/starter installation is kind of a pain. It looks like the hitachi style pinion needs to "twist" back into the housing and that by just bumping the motor, I think it cannot twist back and thus hangs up on the flexplate as the return spring doesn't have enough umph to spin that 13:1 motor just that little bit

Just wanted to make sure that this was normal/screwed up etc before I rip all the teeth off of it trying to fire the motor in a few days.

Oh this is a 468 in my prostreet chevelle...the other project so sorry for being non C4 related
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Old Jul 10, 2004 | 10:48 PM
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Default Big Block starter problems.

I'm not entirely clear what you have for a starter there. I'm using a couple of the later Corvette gear reduction starters (Delco Remy/NipponDenso combination I believe) in my '84 355 turbo and my '69 427. They work great in both instances. I'll confess my ignorance regarding Hitachi as I wasn't aware that they might be involved in starters. Good luck with debugging your problem.

Mike
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Old Jul 11, 2004 | 07:00 PM
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Default

IMHO Just "bumping" the starter should not cause it to hang up in the flywheel!

You mentioned shims and I am sorry i didn't read completely, but you might need to shim it to take pressure off gears after they engage the flywheel

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Old Jul 11, 2004 | 07:03 PM
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I put one on yesterday with no problems
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Old Jul 11, 2004 | 10:06 PM
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From: Hudson OH
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yeah, the way this one works, the motor has to kick a little. I shimmed it, set the pinion depth correct and hit it. It hung up, but if I took a wrench on the front pulley and just nudged it the gear would snap back to place. So I think I'm good..because even when it was stuck I'd pull the bolts loose and it'd have to back out at least 3/4" or so before it could turn enough to go back to rest. Kinda weird, not sure how much I like it, but hey, I think it'll be fine. Thanks fellas.
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