Starter Rubbing against FlyWheel

[dlight26]

As the thread suggests I installed a new starter in my truck today and after firing the truck up I noticed a grinding sound. Upon further inspection I noticed the casing of the starter is rubbing against the fly wheel.

I then examined the old starter to check if i possible got shipped the wrong one and noticed the same wear on the starter casing. It seems to me that someone at some point changed out the flywheel for a larger one.

Im trying to figure out if I should simply allow the fly wheel to grind the starter casing down until it stops rubbing or if i should remove it and have a machine shop shave a gap in the starter. The flywheel doesn't look damaged from the rubbing and the starter casing is relatively soft metal.

Let me know if anyone has experienced this or what they recommend me doing.

See attached Photos.

Thanks

[LTZ C20]

Can you just use a grinding wheel or flap disk and grind that area down yourself, saving some money and a trip to a machine shop?

[bd]

Welcome to the site dlight26!

Is the flexplate mounted backwards?  Easiest way to tell is to observe the converter attachment to the flexplate.  The converter bolt bosses should rest against raised pads on the flexplate face.  If the bosses are sitting in minor depressions, the flexplate is backwards and you'll have to pull the transmission to correct it.

[dlight26]

Is this correct?!


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[bd]

The flexplate installation appears correct.  Now, check the crankshaft end-play.  Small block V-8 should be in the range of 0.002" - 0.006" (in other words, not very much).  Also, make sure the ignition is switched OFF and rotate the engine over slowly while inspecting the flexplate for any evidence of cracks in the vicinity of the crankshaft flange where the flexplate attaches to the back of the crankshaft.

[VileZambonie]

I installed a new starter in my truck today

OK what size engine, year make model? What's the casting # on the cylinder block?

[dlight26]

87 GMC v2500 with a 5.7 Liter TBI

I'll check the casting # tomorrow and for cracks on the plate


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[VileZambonie]

And are you sure it's the original engine? Did you check the casting #?

[dlight26]

Where is the casting number located? Only number I could find was for the intake manifold #14102182

Im 90% sure its the original engine 187,000 miles on her.

I cannot see any damage on the flex plate after visual inspection. I guess my question is how much damage will this rubbing do to the flex plate? Do you think i would be okay just letting it grind down the softer metal of the starter until it doesn't contact anymore? The teeth on the flex plate are not affected as they don't come in contact with it just the side. Otherwise I will pull the starter again and see about getting it done somewhere or grinding it down myself.

[LTZ C20]

If you really want to just let it run like that. That's up to you.

[Captkaos]

The number for the block would be on the rear where the bellhousing is bolted.
Is there constant contact with the flywheel when it is rotating?  Is it warped.

I would try and find out what is causing it.  If I had exhausted all possibilites I would then machine or grind it down.
Was the old starter a replacement also?

[dlight26]

I believe the contact to be constant however I have not laid under the truck with it running. I have cranked the engine and visually checked for cracks on flex plate during this there was always contact to the starter.
I purchased this truck in May of 2014 so not sure if it was a replacement however it seems to be the same "off-road" type so it is possible that it is a replacement as well.

Is it possible that this unit is for a manual transmission truck?

Delco Remy
PN:4283-05367410


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[dlight26]

Purchased unit from partsgeek.com it now shows that it fits
4.8L 6 Cyl VIN:T

This wasn't indicated when I purchased it but is prob the reason it doesn't fit.


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[VileZambonie]

Well having the correct starter on there will do the trick and no letting it grind away on its own is not acceptable. The flex plate flexes based on engine load.