Author Topic: Starter Help  (Read 3730 times)

Offline 4x4HighSierra

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Starter Help
« on: February 07, 2010, 11:59:24 AM »
I have a 1972 350 in my 1985 GMC and here recently i have had starter problems.  I have put 2 different starters on it and shimmed it numerous different ways.  What it is doing is at first starting fine with no shims then all of a sudden during cranking it will start to skip and make a grinding noise and shake the whole motor.  It has done this with 2 different starters and I'm about to pull my hair out over it.  And when i shim it it seems to only get worse.
1985 GMC High Sierra K10 mild 350 and rebuilt 700R4 with transgo shift kit

1985 GMC Sierra Classic C10 TPI 350 swapped in and 700R4 and 6 inch drop, with front drop spindles and a axle flip in the back and c notched frame

1995 Chevy Tahoe LT stock

Offline Lt.Del

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2010, 01:08:35 PM »
you have to be sure your flexplate (automatic?) is  not warped and it's on correctly.  Are you using a 168 tooth flexplate or 153 and starter to match?

I don't know if '72 blocks had the staggered two bolt pattern for the starters or if they are in line with the end of the block, paralell to it.  Most post 72 350's have the staggered pattern.  I believe the 305 are more inclined to be the smaller tooth flexplate and the parallel pattern for the starter.

Anyway, you have to make sure you are using the correct parts.  Remove your dust cover under the trans and inspect the flexplate best you can.  Any teeth missing?  I wouldn't shim the starter blindly because it will make more problems if done incorrectly.  

remove the starter and see if there are any metal shavings around the nose of the starter.  Inspect the teeth of the flexplate and starter and check for wear or grinding.
« Last Edit: February 07, 2010, 01:14:38 PM by SgtDel »

Offline 4x4orbust

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2010, 09:35:31 PM »
i've had a cracked starter mount hole do the exact same thing.   next time you have the starter off clean and inspect the starter bolt holes real well.
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Offline Blazin

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2010, 10:14:59 PM »
The 454 in my 74 Malibu used to eat starters. Found the bolt holes for the starter were ob longed etc. redrilled and helicoiled them. Solved the whole problem.
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2010, 03:20:26 PM »
Where are you getting your starters from?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2010, 03:24:52 PM »
Check your ignition timing too
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline 4x4HighSierra

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2010, 11:20:56 PM »
they are good starters i have kept from motors i had in the past.
1985 GMC High Sierra K10 mild 350 and rebuilt 700R4 with transgo shift kit

1985 GMC Sierra Classic C10 TPI 350 swapped in and 700R4 and 6 inch drop, with front drop spindles and a axle flip in the back and c notched frame

1995 Chevy Tahoe LT stock

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Starter Help
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2010, 11:38:56 PM »
Try a new starter.
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                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10