Had a SHOP install my flexplate, but it bent, what to do?!?! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TIMSPEED · 10-06-2003, 01:58 AM

OK guys, well, I'm sure you all know the problems I've had with my truck not starting. Well, it was doing OK after I had the shop put the new flexplate in and properly shim the starter so it'd work...well, I think the flexplate is bent in one spot again...
For the past couple days, I'd go to start the truck, and it made that infamous "starter not engaging" noise.. (The WHIIIIIR). So, I put the truck in drive and pushed it a few feet, then tried it again, voila, it started. Then tonight, it did that again, so I pushed it, and I could hear the starter miss the teeth in that one spot...
My real question is..what should I do? Should I take it back to the shop that installed the flexplate, and make them fix it, and DEMAND that they do it for free? (Since their work is guranteed, it shouldn't be bent, right?)
Also, I'm running 14º initial timing (I adjusted the timing with the help of my friend, who's a professional.) would turning the timing down to 6º help it to start easier?

78SilveradoSWB · 10-06-2003, 03:09 AM

Well indeed if you think the flexplate is bent again and so soon after the shop installed it, you should have them look at it and confirm it. If the problem was due to their work, there should be no charge. A couple years ago, I bought a reman starter and it was installed by the dealer. The installer routed the ground wire too close to the exhaust pipe, causing a short and a small electrical fire. They repaired it when I had it towed in at no charge. Good thing my friend had a friend had it towed using his AAA card.

TIMSPEED · 10-06-2003, 06:06 AM

Well, I BOUGHT the flexplate from another shop (Cheap ass thing too, only $12.) and had the other shop INSTALL it. I think they're gonna try to say I bent it..but how the hell could I have bent it if I wasn't the one who installed it...

*1FaastC10* · 10-06-2003, 08:02 AM

i'd say you're pretty much screwed. had they supplied the parts AND did the install, you could take it back, and claim inferior parts. if you insist on buying the parts yourself, put a heavy duty one in it, like you get from Jegs/Summit. they tend to be thicker and better quality. i'd also say that its just a coincidence that it caught when you pushed it. with the engine not running (obvious since the starter wouldnt engage), no matter what gear its in the torque converter/flywheel will not have moved. there is no mechanical connection between the crankshaft and the trans, only a fluid coupling that is created when you fire the engine and spin the torque converter. in my educated opinion, i'd venture to say that you dont have a problem with the flexplate at all. i'd bet $100 that its starter solenoid related. the solenoid may not be kicking the gear out far enough to catch teh teeth, but engaging the starter motor, thus spinning the gear. but, i've only been tinkering with cars for 12 years, 3 years formal technical training, and 4 years shop experience, so what do i know?

Jonboy · 10-06-2003, 10:48 AM

you may also need to shim the starter. I had a similar problem in my 82 Vette, and the shims fixed it.

RockHQ · 10-06-2003, 02:48 PM

The problem could also be the starter solenoid engaging lever (transfer lever) which pushes the bendix gear to the flywheel/flexplate, if it's broken in the bendix end it will not push the gear far enough but will allow the solenoid to activate the high current coil and thus spin the starter. If the solenoid fails to retract fully it will not activate the high current coil bridge and the starter will turn very slowly (or will not turn at all).

Timspeed, instead of just pushing the truck around and hoping for best why don't ya take the turbine inspection cover off and turn the engine to see if the flexplate is bent or not instead of guessing?

[edit]

Lol i obviously didn't read the whole page well enough, 1FaastC10 you're thinking along the same lines as me

Destructo · 10-06-2003, 03:03 PM

I had this same problem, I bet your starter is not engaging properly, replace it and see what happens, I would have replaced the starter before replacing the flexplate anyway.

86-C10-V6 · 10-06-2003, 03:30 PM

If you don't fix it quick, it will damage the flex plate and you will have to replace it for sure. The flex plate is not neccesarrily bent, the flex plate can be installed and not be perfectly centered. When installing the starter, the high point on the flex plate must be found before the starter can be shimmed correctly. Just take it back and tell them to reshim the starter correctly.

loweredd · 10-06-2003, 05:42 PM

That's how I got my truck for $995 from the DODGE dealership for cryin out loud!! LOL

I saw it in the lot after I sold my V8 S-10, and it had mechanics special on a sticker, so I looked and it said it needed a flywheel. Well, I looked and saw that it needed a "flexplate" not a flywheel.......so I got my flexplate wrench and went to the dealership. I spun it over a little with the wrench to see if I could get it to start, so I could drive it home. It caught for a brief second, and then ground the starter gear. I towed it home and bought a flexplate and Hitachi gear starter both from work. Went home to replace the flexplate, and saw that it was good. When I pulled the starter off, it was a staggered mount starter, and had one bolt shimmed. I bolted the starter on, left the flexplate that was supposedly bad, and it fired right up!!!! I havent had a problem since!!

PLUG-----That Hitachi PSL100 starter is the best thing I have ever bought for any of my numerous projects so far. I dont care who you buy one from, buy one.

TIMSPEED · 10-06-2003, 05:52 PM

ok, well, the shop shimmed the starter to the flexplate and adjusted everything correctly. But, ever since I got it back, it's started FUNNY (like made a lot of noise and sometimes it didn't fire up or whatnot.) Should I just replace the starter? (Lifetime warranty from Kragens.)

*1FaastC10* · 10-06-2003, 08:28 PM

if you dont replace the starter, at least replace the solenoid.

TIMSPEED · 10-06-2003, 08:40 PM

I think my headers may also be killing the starter...sometimes it'll take a long time to crank over, while other times, it'll just fire right up...

*1FaastC10* · 10-07-2003, 08:12 AM

i've never had a problem with heat soaking a starter on any of my trucks, or my TA, which all had headers, and a stock starter with no heat shield. make sure all of your cables are good, connections tight, and have the battery tested to make sure its performing at its specified level.

TIMSPEED · 10-07-2003, 11:05 PM

Well, when it wouldn't start, I touched the + battery cable, and it seemed to be kinda hot...

*1FaastC10* · 10-08-2003, 08:02 AM

sounds like you've got a bad starter.. excessive draw on the starter will do that.

10-06-2003, 01:58 AM	#1
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Had a SHOP install my flexplate, but it bent, what to do?!?! OK guys, well, I'm sure you all know the problems I've had with my truck not starting. Well, it was doing OK after I had the shop put the new flexplate in and properly shim the starter so it'd work...well, I think the flexplate is bent in one spot again... For the past couple days, I'd go to start the truck, and it made that infamous "starter not engaging" noise.. (The WHIIIIIR). So, I put the truck in drive and pushed it a few feet, then tried it again, voila, it started. Then tonight, it did that again, so I pushed it, and I could hear the starter miss the teeth in that one spot... My real question is..what should I do? Should I take it back to the shop that installed the flexplate, and make them fix it, and DEMAND that they do it for free? (Since their work is guranteed, it shouldn't be bent, right?) Also, I'm running 14º initial timing (I adjusted the timing with the help of my friend, who's a professional.) would turning the timing down to 6º help it to start easier? __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-06-2003, 03:09 AM	#2
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Well indeed if you think the flexplate is bent again and so soon after the shop installed it, you should have them look at it and confirm it. If the problem was due to their work, there should be no charge. A couple years ago, I bought a reman starter and it was installed by the dealer. The installer routed the ground wire too close to the exhaust pipe, causing a short and a small electrical fire. They repaired it when I had it towed in at no charge. Good thing my friend had a friend had it towed using his AAA card. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

10-06-2003, 06:06 AM	#3
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Well, I BOUGHT the flexplate from another shop (Cheap ass thing too, only $12.) and had the other shop INSTALL it. I think they're gonna try to say I bent it..but how the hell could I have bent it if I wasn't the one who installed it... __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-06-2003, 10:48 AM	#5
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	you may also need to shim the starter. I had a similar problem in my 82 Vette, and the shims fixed it. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

10-06-2003, 02:48 PM	#6
RockHQ ROCKET POWER! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Finland, Europe Posts: 509	The problem could also be the starter solenoid engaging lever (transfer lever) which pushes the bendix gear to the flywheel/flexplate, if it's broken in the bendix end it will not push the gear far enough but will allow the solenoid to activate the high current coil and thus spin the starter. If the solenoid fails to retract fully it will not activate the high current coil bridge and the starter will turn very slowly (or will not turn at all). Timspeed, instead of just pushing the truck around and hoping for best why don't ya take the turbine inspection cover off and turn the engine to see if the flexplate is bent or not instead of guessing? [edit] Lol i obviously didn't read the whole page well enough, 1FaastC10 you're thinking along the same lines as me __________________ What did i do last nite? I had a wonderful time, That's what they tell me What did i do last nite? 1979 C-10 shortfleet: Olds 350, Th400, 12 bolt Current project: 1969 Olds 455 W-30, needing a rebuild Last edited by RockHQ; 10-06-2003 at 02:52 PM.

10-06-2003, 08:02 AM	#4
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	i'd say you're pretty much screwed. had they supplied the parts AND did the install, you could take it back, and claim inferior parts. if you insist on buying the parts yourself, put a heavy duty one in it, like you get from Jegs/Summit. they tend to be thicker and better quality. i'd also say that its just a coincidence that it caught when you pushed it. with the engine not running (obvious since the starter wouldnt engage), no matter what gear its in the torque converter/flywheel will not have moved. there is no mechanical connection between the crankshaft and the trans, only a fluid coupling that is created when you fire the engine and spin the torque converter. in my educated opinion, i'd venture to say that you dont have a problem with the flexplate at all. i'd bet $100 that its starter solenoid related. the solenoid may not be kicking the gear out far enough to catch teh teeth, but engaging the starter motor, thus spinning the gear. but, i've only been tinkering with cars for 12 years, 3 years formal technical training, and 4 years shop experience, so what do i know?

10-06-2003, 03:03 PM	#7
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I had this same problem, I bet your starter is not engaging properly, replace it and see what happens, I would have replaced the starter before replacing the flexplate anyway.

10-06-2003, 03:30 PM	#8
86-C10-V6 Shadetree Mechanic Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Youngsville, NC Posts: 100	If you don't fix it quick, it will damage the flex plate and you will have to replace it for sure. The flex plate is not neccesarrily bent, the flex plate can be installed and not be perfectly centered. When installing the starter, the high point on the flex plate must be found before the starter can be shimmed correctly. Just take it back and tell them to reshim the starter correctly. __________________ Dave M. (Hacksaw) 86 C10 Scottsdale LWB, 4.3L, Edelbrock 1904, K&N, 700R4, 3.08 Auburn Performance 89 GMC S-15 Extended Cab 4x4, 4.3L, FI 98 K1500 Xcab, 5.7L, 3.43 Gov-Lok

10-06-2003, 05:42 PM	#9
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	That's how I got my truck for $995 from the DODGE dealership for cryin out loud!! LOL I saw it in the lot after I sold my V8 S-10, and it had mechanics special on a sticker, so I looked and it said it needed a flywheel. Well, I looked and saw that it needed a "flexplate" not a flywheel.......so I got my flexplate wrench and went to the dealership. I spun it over a little with the wrench to see if I could get it to start, so I could drive it home. It caught for a brief second, and then ground the starter gear. I towed it home and bought a flexplate and Hitachi gear starter both from work. Went home to replace the flexplate, and saw that it was good. When I pulled the starter off, it was a staggered mount starter, and had one bolt shimmed. I bolted the starter on, left the flexplate that was supposedly bad, and it fired right up!!!! I havent had a problem since!! PLUG-----That Hitachi PSL100 starter is the best thing I have ever bought for any of my numerous projects so far. I dont care who you buy one from, buy one.

10-06-2003, 05:52 PM	#10
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	ok, well, the shop shimmed the starter to the flexplate and adjusted everything correctly. But, ever since I got it back, it's started FUNNY (like made a lot of noise and sometimes it didn't fire up or whatnot.) Should I just replace the starter? (Lifetime warranty from Kragens.) __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-06-2003, 08:28 PM	#11
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	if you dont replace the starter, at least replace the solenoid.

10-06-2003, 08:40 PM	#12
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	I think my headers may also be killing the starter...sometimes it'll take a long time to crank over, while other times, it'll just fire right up... __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-07-2003, 08:12 AM	#13
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	i've never had a problem with heat soaking a starter on any of my trucks, or my TA, which all had headers, and a stock starter with no heat shield. make sure all of your cables are good, connections tight, and have the battery tested to make sure its performing at its specified level.

10-07-2003, 11:05 PM	#14
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Well, when it wouldn't start, I touched the + battery cable, and it seemed to be kinda hot... __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-08-2003, 08:02 AM	#15
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	sounds like you've got a bad starter.. excessive draw on the starter will do that.



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