Starter Problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Wootdog · 11-08-2007, 01:46 PM

All,
I have been through three NAPA starters on my truck in the last year. I dont drive the truck all that much. It is a 350/350 combo. The truck only puts out 300 horses. I have checked the teeth on the flywheel and none are messed up. I had a small shim in it. It was paper thin and unreadable as far as thickness is concerned. I didnt put it back on with the newest rebuilt napa starter. What happens is the aluminum case at the front of the starter either cracks or in the last case broke. I pulled the inspection cover off this time and reinstalled the new starter and noticed their isn't a whole lot of clearance but the starter is not touching the flywheel. Previous brands of starters never had this problem. Any help would be appreciated. Kerry

chev74 · 11-08-2007, 01:54 PM

do you have heat issues from headers/exhaust pipes? i believe this can cause a starter to screw up. i dont know about cracking, but it may cause weakness. anyone else?

smoked68 · 11-08-2007, 02:05 PM

I had the very same issue with an Advance auto parts starter. First one dont know where it came from, the 2nd one was from Advance. It lasted about 6 mos. Had to continually adjust (shim) it. I finally took it apart and saw a hair line crack in the nose that I guess was just getting larger. They replaced and we checked this one out with a magnifying glass befor leaving the store. Been in for about 4 mos. now and have not had to adjust and seems to be working fine. Good luck, I think its just crappy rebuilt parts thats causing the probs. They paint that nose with some kind of epoxy paint from what I'm told so it hides blemishes. Just my opinion, Good luck, Mike.........

Wootdog · 11-08-2007, 02:33 PM

I actually have a help product that is a heat shield that covers the solenoid. It is the front of the nose that goes into make contact with the flywheel that keeps cracking and or breaking off. Kerry

**Boog** · 11-08-2007, 10:36 PM

If an engine is high compressioned or timed a bit too high it sometimes kicks back on the starter and cracks the aluminum starter nose. Use to have that a good bit with big blocks. Fix was to find a GM nose. These cheap aftermarket parts aren't as stout as the factory ones. Give a call to your local starter rebuild shop and ask them which are better.

PS Did you ever finish that truck? Last I saw was the pic in your avatar.

RustyParts · 11-09-2007, 08:47 AM

Do you have the support bracket installed at the front of the starter? Most people throw it away not really knowing it's there to support the weight of the starter and to keep it from twisting from the torque of cranking the engine.

Wootdog · 11-09-2007, 09:15 AM

I didnt know there was a support bracket. Anyone got pictures of it? As far as finishing the truck, I am lazy and have never uploaded any pics to update the avatar. To be honest, one of my friends who used to be on this board did it for me. I have alot of pics on photobucket but haven't put them on here. And for you non ford lovers, my mustang mach 1 is about done. Body work completes this week and paint in the next two weeks.
Kerry

RustyParts · 11-09-2007, 09:48 AM

Borrowed this pic from LMC Catalog. Right side of page, second pic down, item #1.

chev74 · 11-09-2007, 10:41 AM

well, i didnt know that there was a brace for the starter!! you guys just keep suprising me every day!

Frizzle Fry · 11-09-2007, 01:42 PM

I bit the bullet and bought a CVR mini gear reduction starter. Never had a problem since. It cranks my 476 almost above idle speed! They have more adjustability built in with the motor bolted to the machined adapter block too. Here's a good price on one.

Wootdog · 11-09-2007, 01:50 PM

How is the brace installed? I can't see by the picture. I am going to get one now. Kerry

**john** · 11-09-2007, 01:55 PM

Also try to get a cast iron GM nose cone. That ended my starter alignment problems. No shims needed.

Ackattack · 11-09-2007, 02:32 PM

I say go with a high torque mini starter and be done with it. I fought with starters for years, and then finally bit the bullet and got a mini starter.

crazy longhorn · 11-09-2007, 02:46 PM

you might also replace the bolts.....without the brace, they can get bent. Im not sure if it was mentioned, so you can check the starter clearance, by sliding a 1/8" rod tween the armature shaft, & the OD of the flywheel ring gear. Add shims under both bolts to loosen the clearance, & under the outside corner only to tighten it up. best of luck,

L

Ackattack · 11-09-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

you might also replace the bolts.....without the brace, they can get bent. Im not sure if it was mentioned, so you can check the starter clearance, by sliding a 1/8" rod tween the armature shaft, & the OD of the flywheel ring gear. Add shims under both bolts to loosen the clearance, & under the outside corner only to tighten it up. best of luck,

L

A drill bit will work good for this

rodnok1 · 11-10-2007, 05:22 PM

Are you using starter bolts or just bolts. Non starter bolts will let the starter turn just a little. I also second checking the shims..

11-08-2007, 01:54 PM	#2
chev74 Addicted to Chevy Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tyler, Tx Posts: 857	Re: Starter Problems do you have heat issues from headers/exhaust pipes? i believe this can cause a starter to screw up. i dont know about cracking, but it may cause weakness. anyone else?

11-08-2007, 02:05 PM	#3
smoked68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Rock Hill, SC Posts: 421	Re: Starter Problems I had the very same issue with an Advance auto parts starter. First one dont know where it came from, the 2nd one was from Advance. It lasted about 6 mos. Had to continually adjust (shim) it. I finally took it apart and saw a hair line crack in the nose that I guess was just getting larger. They replaced and we checked this one out with a magnifying glass befor leaving the store. Been in for about 4 mos. now and have not had to adjust and seems to be working fine. Good luck, I think its just crappy rebuilt parts thats causing the probs. They paint that nose with some kind of epoxy paint from what I'm told so it hides blemishes. Just my opinion, Good luck, Mike......... __________________ 1968 chevy shortbed, Dark Shadow Gray 4 bolt 383 Stroker,Weiand Super Charger, disc brakes, 9 inch, 391 gear, 20" Eagle wheels, muncie 4 speed/ Hurst shifter, 4/7 drop, Hedman midlengths, 3 inch exhaust w/ 2 chamber flows. 1966 Mustang with 306 roller, c-4, 9 inch Detroit locker rear. 1965 Fastback Mustang w/347 stroker, top loader 4spd, 9 inch detroit locker. 1966 Mustang coup, 306 roller, c4, 9 inch. 65 Cobra, 427, T6oo, 9inch, of course. First gen Hayabusa, airbox mod and running 2 exhaust cams.. Zoom Zoom Zoom

11-08-2007, 02:33 PM	#4
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Starter Problems I actually have a help product that is a heat shield that covers the solenoid. It is the front of the nose that goes into make contact with the flywheel that keeps cracking and or breaking off. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

11-08-2007, 10:36 PM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,103	Re: Starter Problems If an engine is high compressioned or timed a bit too high it sometimes kicks back on the starter and cracks the aluminum starter nose. Use to have that a good bit with big blocks. Fix was to find a GM nose. These cheap aftermarket parts aren't as stout as the factory ones. Give a call to your local starter rebuild shop and ask them which are better. PS Did you ever finish that truck? Last I saw was the pic in your avatar. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-09-2007, 08:47 AM	#6
RustyParts Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wyman, Kentucky Posts: 403	Re: Starter Problems Do you have the support bracket installed at the front of the starter? Most people throw it away not really knowing it's there to support the weight of the starter and to keep it from twisting from the torque of cranking the engine. __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy, 4WD, 454 CI, 350 Turbo, 4" lift, 35" tires The math teacher said my son "Bubba" could be a mathmatical genius. cause he's got 13 fingers! Last edited by RustyParts; 11-09-2007 at 08:49 AM.

11-08-2007, 01:46 PM	#1
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Starter Problems All, I have been through three NAPA starters on my truck in the last year. I dont drive the truck all that much. It is a 350/350 combo. The truck only puts out 300 horses. I have checked the teeth on the flywheel and none are messed up. I had a small shim in it. It was paper thin and unreadable as far as thickness is concerned. I didnt put it back on with the newest rebuilt napa starter. What happens is the aluminum case at the front of the starter either cracks or in the last case broke. I pulled the inspection cover off this time and reinstalled the new starter and noticed their isn't a whole lot of clearance but the starter is not touching the flywheel. Previous brands of starters never had this problem. Any help would be appreciated. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

11-09-2007, 09:15 AM	#7
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Starter Problems I didnt know there was a support bracket. Anyone got pictures of it? As far as finishing the truck, I am lazy and have never uploaded any pics to update the avatar. To be honest, one of my friends who used to be on this board did it for me. I have alot of pics on photobucket but haven't put them on here. And for you non ford lovers, my mustang mach 1 is about done. Body work completes this week and paint in the next two weeks. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

11-09-2007, 09:48 AM	#8
RustyParts Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wyman, Kentucky Posts: 403	Re: Starter Problems Borrowed this pic from LMC Catalog. Right side of page, second pic down, item #1. Attached Images __________________ 1972 GMC Jimmy, 4WD, 454 CI, 350 Turbo, 4" lift, 35" tires The math teacher said my son "Bubba" could be a mathmatical genius. cause he's got 13 fingers! Last edited by RustyParts; 11-09-2007 at 09:50 AM.

11-09-2007, 10:41 AM	#9
chev74 Addicted to Chevy Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tyler, Tx Posts: 857	Re: Starter Problems well, i didnt know that there was a brace for the starter!! you guys just keep suprising me every day!

11-09-2007, 01:42 PM	#10
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Starter Problems I bit the bullet and bought a CVR mini gear reduction starter. Never had a problem since. It cranks my 476 almost above idle speed! They have more adjustability built in with the motor bolted to the machined adapter block too. Here's a good price on one. Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 11-09-2007 at 01:42 PM.

11-09-2007, 01:50 PM	#11
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Starter Problems How is the brace installed? I can't see by the picture. I am going to get one now. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

11-09-2007, 01:55 PM	#12
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Starter Problems Also try to get a cast iron GM nose cone. That ended my starter alignment problems. No shims needed. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

11-09-2007, 02:32 PM	#13
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Starter Problems I say go with a high torque mini starter and be done with it. I fought with starters for years, and then finally bit the bullet and got a mini starter. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-09-2007, 02:46 PM	#14
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Starter Problems you might also replace the bolts.....without the brace, they can get bent. Im not sure if it was mentioned, so you can check the starter clearance, by sliding a 1/8" rod tween the armature shaft, & the OD of the flywheel ring gear. Add shims under both bolts to loosen the clearance, & under the outside corner only to tighten it up. best of luck,L __________________ 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....

11-10-2007, 05:22 PM	#16
rodnok1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Linden, North Carolina Posts: 617	Re: Starter Problems Are you using starter bolts or just bolts. Non starter bolts will let the starter turn just a little. I also second checking the shims.. __________________ 64 Panel Rebuild Pics Clutch Replacement and Borg Warner T10 Trans Rebuild 64 Panel 1/2 Ton 350cubes/400hp BorgWarner t-10 3:73 Auburn Posi



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