[v8hed]

Is there any special procedure in bolting-up a stock replacement starter motor onto a Gen.I SBC (manual trans)? I had a quick go at it yeserday and was trying to screw the bolt in that's nearest the block, but you're working blind (can't see where the bolt is supposed to be going) and I didn't seem to be having much success. Also, how do you know the starter is properly aligned/meshed with the flywheel ring gear?

Thanks.

[mud.man.rj]

No tricks just keep trying and if it had shims put them back in.

[v8hed]

Thanks.

I realised after posting this that there's nothing to mesh, as the solenoid isn't energised and the bendix gear is retracted into the starter body. Feel a tad embarrassed asking how to install a starter motor as it's such a simple thing, but just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing something. Ask me about engines and I can hold my own with the best of 'em, but I've never dealt with starter motors before!

[pepi]

There is a clearance that should be checked;between the starter and the ring gear. That is the purpose and why shims are supplied.

[poncho62]

And, if it has a bracket at the other end of the starter motor, use it.....helps keep the starter aligned.

[pepi]

Originally Posted by poncho62

And, if it has a bracket at the other end of the starter motor, use it.....helps keep the starter aligned.

Also keeps the bell housing bolt holes from cracking, the real purpose. However I can say that it is not always the case that the bell housing bolt holes get damaged with out the brace.
Using the factory starter bolts with the knurled shank seems to keep things in order.