Quick starter question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Patrick Sullivan · 12-23-2002, 05:20 PM

If an engine were siezed, or generally not turning correctly, the starter would just sit and strain against it, right? It wouldn't make the starter un-mesh, and start eating the flexplate, would it?

Reason I ask - I just finished fixing a fairly large antifreeze leak, and the engine won't start back up, the starter just grinds like heck and starts eating the flexplate. I'm not sure if it's the starter that's messed up, or something in the engine that got antifreeze in it and ruined it..

Gordo · 12-23-2002, 06:02 PM

If the starter was healthy and the engine was seized the starter would engage and probably just humm, and if you held it on long enough it would smoke up the starter, batt cables or something. My guess the starter is just not engaging properly or the starter drive or possibly the flex-plate is shot. Did you remove the starter during the repair you made? Maybe it needs to be shimmed or realigned.

crazy longhorn · 12-23-2002, 06:19 PM

I agree with Gordo. As a thought, you might put a 5/8 socket/wrachet on the balancer bolt & try turning the crank......I doubt that its locked up, but that way you will be able sleep a little eazier......

Patrick Sullivan · 12-23-2002, 09:56 PM

Well I tried turning the engine by the flexplate, and it turns, so I guess it is the starter.. there was quite a bit of antifreeze on the starter itself when I looked at it.. maybe it got wet and ruined it. Guess I gotta get a new one.. thanks.

Patrick Sullivan · 12-24-2002, 03:11 PM

Pulled the starter off, and found THIS! I've never seen anything like it. I know the pic is out of focus (I hate autofocus cameras), but look at the starter gear..

Must be missing half the gear..

Gordo · 12-24-2002, 04:43 PM

If the rest of the starter looks okay and your short on cash, you can replace the starter drive only. You may want to rotate the flex plate one revolution and inspect the teeth for damage as you turn it, hopefully there is no damage.

**old Rusty C10** · 12-24-2002, 05:17 PM

i saw only one like that in my life and it was on an old taxicab. thre was a problem wiht the flywheel on that cab too im not sure if that caused it or not i dont recall but i would check the flywheel good before installing a new starter they may not honor the warranty if ya buts the gear on a bad flywheel

Big69C20 Toy · 12-24-2002, 06:23 PM

my starter looked worse Patrick, the whole gear was disintegrated.... freaking confusing. now my new one cranks but still acts up (ie grinding or slow turning and seems like its fighting) good luck with it

12-23-2002, 05:20 PM	#1
Patrick Sullivan Transcendental Trucker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 374	Quick starter question If an engine were siezed, or generally not turning correctly, the starter would just sit and strain against it, right? It wouldn't make the starter un-mesh, and start eating the flexplate, would it? Reason I ask - I just finished fixing a fairly large antifreeze leak, and the engine won't start back up, the starter just grinds like heck and starts eating the flexplate. I'm not sure if it's the starter that's messed up, or something in the engine that got antifreeze in it and ruined it.. __________________ Patrick Sullivan \| sullivan@oregoncoast.com Rockaway Beach, Oregon 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-20 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 So, fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls... Then gently rise and softly call Goodnight and joy be to you all!

12-23-2002, 06:02 PM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	If the starter was healthy and the engine was seized the starter would engage and probably just humm, and if you held it on long enough it would smoke up the starter, batt cables or something. My guess the starter is just not engaging properly or the starter drive or possibly the flex-plate is shot. Did you remove the starter during the repair you made? Maybe it needs to be shimmed or realigned. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

12-23-2002, 06:19 PM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	I agree with Gordo. As a thought, you might put a 5/8 socket/wrachet on the balancer bolt & try turning the crank......I doubt that its locked up, but that way you will be able sleep a little eazier...... __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

12-23-2002, 09:56 PM	#4
Patrick Sullivan Transcendental Trucker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 374	Well I tried turning the engine by the flexplate, and it turns, so I guess it is the starter.. there was quite a bit of antifreeze on the starter itself when I looked at it.. maybe it got wet and ruined it. Guess I gotta get a new one.. thanks. __________________ Patrick Sullivan \| sullivan@oregoncoast.com Rockaway Beach, Oregon 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-20 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 So, fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls... Then gently rise and softly call Goodnight and joy be to you all!

12-24-2002, 03:11 PM	#5
Patrick Sullivan Transcendental Trucker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rockaway Beach, OR Posts: 374	Holy crap.. ! Pulled the starter off, and found THIS! I've never seen anything like it. I know the pic is out of focus (I hate autofocus cameras), but look at the starter gear.. Must be missing half the gear.. Attached Images __________________ Patrick Sullivan \| sullivan@oregoncoast.com Rockaway Beach, Oregon 1972 Chevy Cheyenne C-20 1998 Dodge Dakota 4x4 So, fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls... Then gently rise and softly call Goodnight and joy be to you all!

12-24-2002, 04:43 PM	#6
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	If the rest of the starter looks okay and your short on cash, you can replace the starter drive only. You may want to rotate the flex plate one revolution and inspect the teeth for damage as you turn it, hopefully there is no damage. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist. Last edited by Gordo; 12-24-2002 at 04:46 PM.

12-24-2002, 05:17 PM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,283	starter teeth i saw only one like that in my life and it was on an old taxicab. thre was a problem wiht the flywheel on that cab too im not sure if that caused it or not i dont recall but i would check the flywheel good before installing a new starter they may not honor the warranty if ya buts the gear on a bad flywheel __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-24-2002, 06:23 PM	#8
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	my starter looked worse Patrick, the whole gear was disintegrated.... freaking confusing. now my new one cranks but still acts up (ie grinding or slow turning and seems like its fighting) good luck with it __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.



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