[RossR90]

This may be a dumb question..... I posted earlier about my starter grinding. I thought I fixed it but I was wrong. Everything has been replaced but I used the autozone starter. So the last thing Im gonna try is to buy a better starter and ditch the autozone one. Now my question is... Will the gear reduction starters that fit sbc fit on a straight six 292 also ? Im guessing it will but I want to make sure before I make the purchase.

Thanks
RR

[carsavvycook]

autozone one.
Thanks
RR[/QUOTE]

I think you have stated your whole problem with this starter problem.

There is a starter(#4347) that should cure your problem. It has a cast iron nose cone, that excepts both bolt patterns.

I Personally will not purchase, even a quart of oil from them.

My problems with their electrical parts would take too long to post.

[tombtomb]

Is the 292 bolted up to a manual or auto ?

[RossR90]

It has an automatic T350 3 speed..
thanks for the info

[tombtomb]

Yes it will bolt up. Are you using shims between the starter & block as necessary to get the proper clearance between the starter pinion gear & the flywheel ring gear ? This is very important. If there is not enough clearance the starter will be in a bind and sound awful & will not spin the engine fast enough.

[RossR90]

oh yeah been there done that. If it was the shims wouldnt it grind all the time? Truck started great for about 2 days until I drove it around town. I noticed a slight grind when I started it before coming home. Then once I pulled in the garage I tried to start it again and got nothing but a loud grinding sound. starter didnt even engage the flywheel.
The only thing I havent been able to do is install a starter brace because I cant find one for my motor.

[carsavvycook]

One recent example of Auto zones electronics: On June 4th 2008, I installed a "customer purchased" alternator, in a 98 Ford Escort. On June 6th 2008 it got towed back in, as a "non run". When I took the belt tension off it would start and run. They did not want to return the core, or her money, until they tried testing it 4 times. It failed all 4 times. The mileage out on the 6th was 99021, on the 8th it was 99068. I sold her one from my supplier, and I had to wait for 2 days to get paid. (they had to come up with the cash to refund her) I have a very happy new customer for life.

I had to tell her, "I would rather see her here, than where she works", in the emergency room, of a local hospital.

[RossR90]

I really dont like autozone that much either, but due to the proximity of it to my house it makes for better convienience. In my personal opinion the customer service sucks at my store suck. The manager really doesnt have any people skills.

If this new starter i'm about to purchase fixes my issue than I can guarantee I wont be buying any more parts from there.

[454C10]

Most bad starters I had seen was caused by a bad flexplate.

The flexplates can go out of round which caused them to get closer then further from the starter as it rotates. When the ring gear gets too close it binds up the starter and when it moves away it grinds. Sounds ugly.

Yes, try to shim it first, but if that fails, then I bet the flex plate is oval.

[RossR90]

Well I hope its not. If that turns out to be the case then I really wont ever go back to autozone. I just put a brand new flywheel on from autozone. Thats what I thought the problem was originally. I shim it one more time just to be sure but i've been at this point before. I shim it and then it works great for a day or so then it goes right back to the way it was.
Thanks for the advice
Ron,FL

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi,
You might try getting under the car & run the starter while
watching the flex plate for out of round, also ring gear & starter pinion engagement.
I'm thinking the same as 454C10 about the ring gear/flex plate
Good luck,
Rich

[SSedan64]

Ross are you using the correct knurled shank starter bolts? Something is moving, the starter or the clearance between starter & flexplate from warping etc.. Also make sure your torque converter bolts aren't too long and hitting the converter.

[RossR90]

Im sure of the bolts. I just bought a brand new set and installed them as the last set was worn. As for the converter bolts I have to check. If they are touching how would that effect it? Im sure they arent the right bolts though.

[NEW INTERIORS]

I had the same problem on a sbc,I bought a mini starter off of ebay for $57.00 It was new,A guy sell's them on there.Best $57.00 I ever paid someone,I also bought one for my big block car.

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi,
If the converter bolts are against the converter, then they can't
be made tight enough to hold the flex plate from moving, go
to your local speed shop & get the correct bolts.
Rich