454 Starter Issues

I bought one of those LifeTime replacement starters from PepBoys...

After about 3 or 4 replacements, I think they are getting sick of seeing me...

Every 6 months to a year I chew up the gear on the starter. I don't think I have been getting the correct one because of a thick metal band on the rod that the starter gear rotates on. This thick metal band appears to prevent the starter gear from fully engaging the flex plate (stops about 2/3rds of the way). Also, the starter gear is tapered (I guess to help it line up the flex plate teeth)

Anyway, here are some pics....

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It is hard to show exactly where the metal band is relative to the thickness of the flex plate teeth.... I hope you can see that the flex plate teeth are starting to wear in the last one...

MY QUESTION::: I just wanted to make sure that the starter gear should better engage the flex plate ....

This is out of a 1973 C10 454 with the TH400

Reply to
mgarrfl
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You need to replace the flexplate!

Also, are you shimming the starter when it's installed to ensure the gears mesh correctly?

Regards,

Doc

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Reply to
"Doc"

Are u using the BRACKET that is suppose to Connect to The Rear of the Starter and The other End connects to the Side of The Engine BLOCK

your Flywheel is now Tearing them up Since it is RUINED .

mgarrfl wrote:

Reply to
no one

Someone can correct me, it has been 30 years since I worked on those engines

But Didn't the 454 Starter have a 3 bolt pattern ( Not TWO BOLT)? And The NECK was CAST IRON and Not Aluminum!

no > Are u using the BRACKET that is suppose to Connect to The Rear of the

Reply to
no one

Reply to
Robert Ball

Yes I believe I used the correct shim (for the proper clearance and sound)...

I am still wondering about the metal band that is preventing full engagement????

Before I replace the flexplate and starter I just wanted to make sure that I get the right one.....

Reply to
mgarrfl

I don't know what bracket you are talking about???

Reply to
mgarrfl

My 1969 SS 396 Chevelle had a three bolt starter with a cast iron nose. When replacing it I always had to argue wit the parts dudes as they wanted to give me the two bolt starter.

I did have a 4 speed and that may be the difference in the starters, can't remember that far back anymore.

Brian

Reply to
el Diablo

I may be WRONG on the 454.. I was thinking about what I posted the other DAY, And It WAS the 396 that had the 3 bolt plus Cast iron.. And They were not that many STICK Cars with 396 /454 or trucks. I tried to Send a Chiltons File to this Newsgroup and it rejected it.. I scanned the repair manual and it STATES that to Remove the STARTER on ALL ENGINE , you MUST remove The Bracket that connects to the Starter & the ENGINE BLOCK or u will not Have enough Room to Get the starter out . Most Shade trees left the Bracket off when reinstalling the starter , since it was Hard to get at the ENGINE side of the Bracket !

Another type of 3 bolt CHEVY starter was used with The 1960 Chevy Impala with a TUBOGLIDE TRANNY .. ( NOT powerglide)Also CAST IRON I owned one of these .. My Wife HATED those BIG FINS

if u will look at where the Starter Bolts to the 327/350 u will see that the 3 bolt pattern bolt holes were still there in the 70's

Too many Memories here .. My Family Started a AUTO SALVAGE YARD in Flint. mi During WORLD WAR II , That Yard is Still Going with The SAME NAME . But has changed hands 3 times .. 20 acres

Reply to
no one

AAAGGGGHHHHHH !!

My ears !!!!

Reply to
TranSurgeon

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