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Chevy 350 starter issues

3K views 12 replies 5 participants last post by  TexasBackroader 
#1 ·
I found an old beat up chevy out in a field and got it to run, but I'm stumped with the starter. I have went through 3 starters now, they all do the same thing, they work fine for a few days and then start grinding and popping, then one day they'll crack their housings, rendering them useless. I have tried 3 different starters. Two of the starters had the straight bolt pattern, but they were slightly different in pinion gear locations....one out further than the other. And I tried the staggered bolt patterns but, as I know now from reading on here, those starters only work on the bigger flywheels(mine has the smaller one). I've tried shimming them but I was shimming them on both sides with the shims that reach all the way from bolt to bolt. I checked the engine I.D.'s and I'm sure the engine is a 1975 350. If someone has had this problem PLEASE help me! I don't have any money for anymore starters or to pay a mechanic and I'm a newbie to old chevys, but trying to learn. Please share your knowledge with me.
 
#2 ·
One possibility . . . Starter bolts are unique. The shanks are knurled to create a doweled effect. So, let's start there. Do you have the knurled bolts for holding the starter to the block?

PatM
 
#4 ·
Could be a clearance problem or a support problem. I ALWAYS set up a starter in the following manner. With NEW bolts I bolt up the unit with no shims. I use a .040" torch tip cleaner for a gauge, pull the pinion gear out to mesh with the ring gear and measure the clearance between the teeth. If it's much too large I will half shims to the OUTBOARD bolt only to bring the teeth in closer. Shoot for an 0.040" clearance. If it's too tight use FULL shims to braing the starter away from the ring gear. I've found that .040" clearance in the teeth works PERFECTLY.
Could be a support issue. Some blocks utilize a starter support bracket on the end of the starter that bolts to the block to keep it from tweaking.
 
#5 ·
If the bolts have a totally smooth shank, they're wrong. The shank should be "bloomed" (I'm struggling to explain) and show "pin marks" on it. Trial fit into the starter holes. If the shank clears by .020 or more, it's the wrong bolt. Bolts from the hardware store won't work. Bolts from the graveyard probably will.

PatM
 
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