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  #1  
Old 04-18-2020, 01:47 PM
Chrisw Chrisw is offline
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Default Big Block starter - Just needs shims?? *Photos*

I bought a 69 with a 454 put into it (turbo 350 trans). The pervious owner was... a moron according to his "fab work".

When I bought it, and quite a few times after, the engine started fine and ran strong. No starting issues. Now it wont start because when the Pinion/Bindex comes out of the starter to engage the flex plate it hits the face of the plate (basically the starter isn't shimmed out far enough) and obviously cant engage as it is hitting the face and not meshing the cogs.

BUT if that's the case, why did it start fine before? I rotated the crank a few times and checked to confirm that the flex plate isn't bent and I don't think it is. It's also quite close to the flex plate. Am I missing a bigger problem here or just shim it and be done? I just struggle to buy the shims thing as I cant see how the engine starts fine and then suddenly needs a shim now...

https://ibb.co/Z13VD9K
https://ibb.co/jgStYyF

Please ignore the grim... the Previous owner (previously mentioned moron) drove this thing with an oil leak and no dust cover of the flex plate....

Last edited by Chrisw; 04-18-2020 at 01:59 PM.
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  #2  
Old 04-19-2020, 10:14 AM
mestorod70 mestorod70 is offline
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I would gunk and pressure wash all that crap off first.
Then check the starter nose for cracks...are the bolts tight.
Then check the trans bell housing for cracks...and loose bolts
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Old 04-19-2020, 05:45 PM
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Hank70SS Hank70SS is offline
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Definitely check the starter for loose bolts, has it shifted.
As far as the bell housing, in theory it shouldn't have an effect. The starter and flex plate are attached to the engine. The starter should work even with the bell housing and trans removed, but who knows, worth checking.
Does the starter gear spin when the bendix throws it out? Just saying the bendix may be working but the starter motor is not spinning. You can short the starter terminals with a screwdriver and watch what happens. Unless you've already done that.
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Old 04-19-2020, 05:45 PM
FlintTony FlintTony is offline
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From the pictures it looks like there is clearance between the flywheel and the convertor. Could be a little loose? I have not worked on an automatic in decades, but I seem to remember that there should be lock washers under the nuts. A good idea, even if they aren't stock items.
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Old 04-20-2020, 06:20 AM
Alwhite00 Alwhite00 is offline
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If you push the starter gear into the flywheel with a screwdriver does it mesh with the flywheel? Maybe the starter solenoid is getting weak ir damaged from all the oil.
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