Starter install woes....

[Jon Scully]

I have a 1971 Chev BLazer-- 350ci- 4spd manual-4x4. Truck oh my dreams--
But I just purchased it, and have a dead solenoid....could not find a solenoid locally -- so bought a replacement starter-- Champion # 019-5759-4


The one that came out was casst iron nose--- so that is the one i bought.

The problem I am having is that I cannot line up the upper two bolts (lower one goes in fine--as the hole is abit larger to help align the rest)--

1) There seems to be no way to start them correctly. The Starter seats correctly, and I have already auged out the cover plate_shim to ensure I am not hitting that.....still no dice......

The advice I am looking for is whether one should buy replacement bolts to re-install.....or if there are a range of starter noses that I may hav the wrong one....

I have been doing mechanics for years.....worked in a shop all the way through school and have never had such a hard time on such a small job! Any advice would be good.....

Thanks--

Jon

[Critter]

This may be a dumb question, but did the original look identical to the one you bought? Do you still have both of them for comparison?

[rsavage]

Don't know if you are experiencing the same problem I had with a replacement 3 bolt starter, but the nose of the starter was thicker (larger) and it was hitting the inside of the bellhousing just enough to keep the bolts from lining up. I love laying on my back wrestling starters in and out.(JK). Good luck -let us know what you find.

[Jon Scully]

Thanks Guys--

@ rsavage-- This may be my problem-- I did a paper cut out of the bolt pattern-- and it is dead on-- BUT the nose cone does not seem to be exactly the same-- The new one is has a slightly larger end....What did you do to get it to work out????

This all seems weird because the starter goes in all the way, and it is sooooooo cles to ligning up-- just cannot get the upper two bolts to start!

Any more advice is very welcome-- this is agreat msg board-- did not expect such a quick response!

thanks
jon scully

[rsavage]

Jon, I lost my original starter when I turned it into NAPA as a core. I had another old starter and after trying two different NAPA rebuilt starters, I compared the remans with the old one I had and noticed the noses were thicker than the original. I used the original which actually was good. If you can get your starter back, I'd suggest that you rebuild it or have it rebuilt.

[Mike C]

I finally ditched mine for a mini starter. Get the style with the aluminum block where the bendix gear is only supported from behind. This solves ALL of the goofy GM starter woes.

[Jon Scully]

Hey Guys thanks--- I was thinking of buying the Chevy mini starter....Check the link below----It says it fits a whole range of motors and oaut/manual tranny's-- At a good price too. I think if it was not -20c in my garage- I'd have alot more luck getting this done lol!




http://cgi.ebay.ca/SBC-BBC-CHEVY-3HP...item4cf0c14e78

[Jon Scully]

and yes I do have the old stater still (core was only 10$ so I kept her)--

So-- May try to change the nose cone from the old to the new.....before I buy the mini....

I've changed many starters on many models-- never had this issue lol

Thanks Again-- this forum really is great

[Jon Scully]

All done-- Some warmer weather, a clear head and 2 hours later-- I took the brand new starter apart, and put the old nose cone on her-- Works like a charm!

No to tackle the brake lights-- no power at ass end of truck - Should be fun!

[hgs_notes]

A good ground is essential for the tail lights. I even added wires to make good grounds for the tail lights before.

[old man jimmy]

I once had a problem where everytime I would stop my brake lights would pop a fuse. Found it was when I pushed in the clutch the clutch rod had rubbed through the insulation on the brake wire. Might check that area.

[Jon Scully]

thanks forthe ideas guys-- will get back tomorrow, should have a couple hours after work today to get out there.

[Jon Scully]

All Is well with my Blazer-- Just getting my RAD redone at a local shop the PO did a crappy braze of the upper tube....60$ and I get a nice fixed raD!

On a side NOTE:

I have a question: I am looking at a starter problem in a 472 from a 73 fleetwood for a friend and, and have a weird question: Do these have the same starter (less the nose cone) as a 350? I ask becasue there are no good prices for the caddy starter.....but 350 starters are a dime a dozen... and If you have followed this thread you'll know that I recently rebuilt my starter......

Thoughts?

Why I ask is that