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ray_mcavoy · 08-06-2012, 11:53 PM

Here's a pic of the type of starter brace I'm talking about:

This particular example is on a small block, but similar braces were used on big blocks as well. Finding one can be a bit tricky since they were commonly thrown away when someone replaced a starter and didn't figure it was necessary. You might still be able to get one from a GM dealer or restoration parts supplier. Or look for one at a junkyard. You could probably even make a homemade one from a small piece of angle iron.

I can see where checking the timing could be a bit difficult in your situation. And unless something was recently changed that would have disturbed the timing, you'll probably be okay with getting the new starter shimmed/braced properly. Although, I suppose you could set the static timing like you'd do after replacing a distributor and then fine tune it with the timing light once it's running.

08-06-2012, 11:53 PM	#5
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,379	Re: Problem breaking starters Here's a pic of the type of starter brace I'm talking about: This particular example is on a small block, but similar braces were used on big blocks as well. Finding one can be a bit tricky since they were commonly thrown away when someone replaced a starter and didn't figure it was necessary. You might still be able to get one from a GM dealer or restoration parts supplier. Or look for one at a junkyard. You could probably even make a homemade one from a small piece of angle iron. I can see where checking the timing could be a bit difficult in your situation. And unless something was recently changed that would have disturbed the timing, you'll probably be okay with getting the new starter shimmed/braced properly. Although, I suppose you could set the static timing like you'd do after replacing a distributor and then fine tune it with the timing light once it's running.