Flex plate clearance issue
 

Hi everyone, I tried to do my due diligence to find if others have had this issue but came up empty. I have a 383 Stroker with a 168 tooth flexplate and new PowerMaster starter. When I installed the starter I discovered the starter gear was already contacting the flex plate even before engaging/receiving power. Taking a closer look the flex plate is also extremely close to contacting a rear main seal stud on the back of the block. It also measures much closer to the rear of the block than all my other small block 350s, leading me to believe this is a flexplate issue, not a starter issue. I confirmed with my engine builder the flex plate was correct (Pioneer FRA-159) and oriented appropriately (raised pads facing converter). So what could have caused this? I’m looking at a flex plate spacer as a possible solution but I’m resistant because this shouldn’t be an issue to begin with, maybe I’m overlooking something... Any help is greatly appreciated!

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

I don't know about the model of Powermaster starter you have but the NAPA late model starter I put on my Burban's 350 had a similar issue that I cured with shim washer that came with the starter. See post 462 in the link.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...698377&page=19

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

The starter should have come with a few shims a couple for between the starter and engine to increase the gear engagement gap and a couple of round shims like big washers to move the bendix gear back and away from the flex plate .


https://duckduckgo.com/?q=shimming+a...%3DQaJ-67YGfg4

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

How did you acquire this engine? built it or bought it?

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

I started down the route of shimming the starter towards the front of the engine using the round shims. But it’s so far off that by the time I have enough shims installed, the starter no longer seats in the mounting block flange to center the bendix gear.

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

Built by a local engine builder. I called and spoke with one of their techs but he was unsure of what could have caused this. I’ll post a couple more pics once I pull the trans off

Re: Flex plate clearance issue
 

72c is right, it's a two-part process, you may need the "other" shims, or some of both.

This one's pretty clear and helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaJ-67YGfg4