Starter with a mind of its own

[TONKA]

wait, is there supposed to be three starter bolts?

 

[Snoots]

2
then the hanger strap.

 

[nvrenuf]

your probably right @ali_c20, I'm going to get some ordered. my only concern is that the one closest to the block still won't tighten up because of how gummed up the threads are but that's something I should probably try to fix anyways.

The starter bolt not tightening is not the result of trash/dirt in the threads, the threads are jacked up. You'll never fix any of this until you get actual starter bolts the correct length and then do whatever is necessary to fix the threads (chase, heli coil, etc).

 

[TONKA]

@nvrenuf you are probably right, ill get back once i try that. i appreciate the help

 

[TONKA]

ok i took that lower plate off and found that mouting the starter is not the problem. it appears to line up perfectly but the spur gear isnt turning. watch this video i took and let me know what you think.

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[WFO]

The bendix isn't kinking out, except for a couple of times that it just isn't staying out.
I'd just bite the bullet, and get another starter, unless you're inclined to rebuild it.

 

[WFO]

That's a pretty good size crack in your header collector too.

 

[TONKA]

@WFO well ill probably just get a new one but what causes this?

 

[WFO]

@WFO well ill probably just get a new one but what causes this?

Maybe a weak/broken spring, or just wore out.

 

[TONKA]

@WFO I bought this starter new from Autozone like a month ago so the quality control on these must be horrible. I'm going to get another one from Autozone but install one of those mini starters instead.

 

[hoagster]

@WFO I bought this starter new from Autozone like a month ago so the quality control on these must be horrible. I'm going to get another one from Autozone but install one of those mini starters instead.

I had another 1973 square when I first went in the military in the 70's, it had a 396 With a th400 in it don't know who built it that way. That truck would eat starters up. It did exactly what yours does. Like the others said make sure your have the right mounting hardware "mine had different bolts too" and see if bendix is engaging the flywheel/flex plate properly.

 

[TONKA]

@hoagster the Bendix is definitely what's broken on this starter but it hasn't been the same problem every time so I think its crap parts.

 

[trukman1]

Just remember every time your bendix makes that grinding sound it's also grinding the gears on your flex plate/flywheel.
Cheaper to fix it right now than to fix the collateral damage later.

 

[TONKA]

@trukman1 every time I have the starter off I have been taking that torque converter cover off and checking it and its definitely warn but in a useable enough condition.

 

[illmanners]

I've run into this before and will offer what I've done on countless GM starters. Remove the starter, and meticulously clean the starter to engine mounting surface on both the starter and the engine block, then use NEW correct starter bolts that have a knurled shaft surface, (no washers please, as the correct, knurled starter bolts incorporate a washer as part of the bolt head,) torque to exactly 35 pounds. The purpose of the knurled surfaces on the correct starter bolts is the method factory engineering used to align the starter properly. Hope that helps.