Correct Starter 85 k10

[Charlie K]

Hey guys had a starter issue. I have an 85 K10. I bought it from a guy who did some work including a motor swap but I don't trust much after seeing a few things. The starter in the truck was grinding and making a racket. I heavily (5/16) shimmed the starter when I got it to get the clearance right at 1/8" between the starter shaft and the flywheel so I could start it and drive a bit to find other problems. That worked better for a bit but the old starter was abused and needed replaced.

I went to the parts store and they gave me a starter for an 85 350 that was identical to the one I had. Well I knew that wasn't going to work with out an absurd amount of shimming so I questioned the starter. I don't know the year of the motor. Anyway after 30min of looking at parts of other years the 86 starter seemed to look like a better match. He let me take it home and mount it (but not start the truck with it) well if fit way better. Clearances were right on without shims. I bought the part and the truck starts clean without grinding and much faster than before.

My question is do I have an 86 350 block because it worked? I'm not a super mechanic like others on here and this is my first old truck so I'm learning a ton here.

Thanks in advance
Charlie

 

[SirRobyn0]

Charlie, You might try crawling up on top of the engine and look down by the top drivers side of the bellhousing. There maybe a number printed on the engine block there that you might be able to figure out the year of the engine from.