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starter problems help me please chevy 305

5.3K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  heavychevy86  
#1 ·
my truck has been eating through starters and flex plates like crazy my truck runs so freaking good so I know the main bearings aren't worn I keep oil changed nd spark plugs so what could it be Ive tried no shims one shims two shims even three shims they last for a few days to an week until they start grinding and not catching and the nose cone on the starter what could it be please somebody help me please
 
#4 · (Edited)
Quit using the same starter bolts that you have been using an get some new ones or go to the bone yard an take some off the same truck as yours with a starter that looks like it's never been replaced. Shiming the inside bolt pulls the starter gear away from the flex plate, Shiming the outside bolt pushs it in. Take that flex plate cover off an crawl under there an use a big paper clip like one of those 2 in. long ones, straighten it out an make sure it fits at the point of the tooth when it in between the other teeth. Tell your self " I will fix this thing this time so I don't have to f__k with it again"
One more thing, ask your self, Did I put the flex plate on the right way? Is the flex plate concave on one side an not the other?
 
#5 ·
When you have changed the flexplate are you changing the starter at the same time? Hopefully you're not trying to use an 'almost new' starter that was engaging a worn out ring gear. Are you hearing a screeching or abnormal sound when the starter engages?

X2 on what Tech said, maybe you're experiencing the "Chinaman's revenge' - hopefully not.
 
#13 ·
Starter

I just went through a starter problem myself. Say what you want but I went Auto Zone ( nation wide warranty) to get a new one, not rebuilt. I called Duralast tech line and found out that any given year Chevy has 12 or more starters for small blocks. I told him I had a 73 to 84 crate mother from Chevy, got a number, ordered it, problem solved. I found out quite a bit by talking to him. Give them a call.