Thread: 454 starter problems

Tweet

my starter blew off the housing and my boss said sumthing about a crankshaft sensor or shims what do yall think?

I'd use a steel nose on the starter or put a mini-starter on it, and definitely check to see if it needs shims. After you start it, check the timing, it may be a little advanced.

Originally Posted by 32 Essex

I'd use a steel nose on the starter or put a mini-starter on it, and definitely check to see if it needs shims. After you start it, check the timing, it may be a little advanced.

yep... a iron nose is what i have used . i crank the engine before i hit the ignition switch i have a on/off switch on the ignition so it will not kick back you can be low on cranking power as well .check starter bolts they need to be for the starter .front strap helps the starter from walking under a load . shims are not allways going to help you need to check the air gap .going thru all this is some work but .you will never have any more starter s busting off been there done it way to many times when i was young and cut corners them starters. seamed not so damn heavy i know guys went to the smaller starters thinking thats the end of it. but i have mill many of the alum blocks for them small starters so the air gap was right .any way you go just take your time and go over evey thing

Park on a hill

i had to have my machinist knock .020 off the new mini starter to get the correct clearance. It's that China thing again.

when I was younger i spent all day wrestling with a big block starter, dirty in the driveway. I tried every shim possibility spent the day crawling under the car and up to try it. my friend told me i had to shim it, but didn't know how or why.

long story short, it was the wrong starter, the guy at the parts place gave me the wrong one. i put the new one in, no prob. no shims, perfect the first time.

i guess that's how you learn...

I have a 34 Ford with a 79 Chevrolet 454 (truck motor) The starter is only engaging about 1/3 of the flywheel. Tried shiming etc. without success. Has anyone else experienced this and might have a solution.
Running a TH350.

Befor I pulled the 454 that Im rebuilding,( it was in 78 a suburban) I tryed to run it, the starter would lock open and stick on the flex plate.