bobnance

I built a nice 383 w/ 1971 Gen I block. New Remy starter, new SFI approved flexplate 168 tooth (400 externally balanced), 10:1 compression, MSD HEI ignition. 38 degs. total timing. Motor runs beautifully, it started fine for a month or so after installing. Then it started grinding but still starting for a few days before it finally took 5 teeth out of flywheel. Replaced flywheel w/ OEM steel 168 tooth, replaced starter w/ new Remy (lifetime warranty), then started to diagnose what could be happening. (there is a point in this story where I ended up replacing the starter and starter bolts (due to being bent) 3 more times.) To make a long story short, I ended up bringing truck to shop where the mechanic determined that the starter was not engaging flexplate teeth close enough. They ground starter housing down at an angle and reinstalled. Truck started fine for a couple weeks, then, same thing. I took to friends shop, removed bell housing cover, disconnected coil wire. When I engage the starter, it throws starter gear out, engages flexplate, but it looks as if the gear only goes in (front to back) about 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Tried old Delco Starter, same thing. The gear is coming all the way out but that is not far enough to engage the flexplate. Any insight, thoughts, or help would be appreciated. This has been going on for 4 mos. (as a side note, when I engage starter w/ ignition, this motor acts like it is kicking back, if it doesn't kick back, it will start quick. I mean the moment you hit the key, its either started or bent a starter bolt or somethingelse bad)
Thanks for any help.

lukemoore646

does the starter fit a 71 gen 1 block or is it for a 91

bobnance

I bought a starter for a 71 chevy C10, which the block came out of. It's pretty generic, the starter is a new Remy (3rd one) staggered bolt. It never had a rear bracket when it was in the '71 pickup. But being rebuilt, maybe the combo of ignition timing (38 deg. total)/compression (10:1) has something to do with it. I'm about fed up with this crazy thing. Starter problems from day 1. Thanks for any advice.

lukemoore646

i think you have to get the pinion gear of the starter to engage further, and probably back off the timing a little

bobnance

Are there starters available that allow the starter pinion gear to engage deeper or just have a longer pinion rod and nose cone? I notice that the pinion rod is grooved in a particular spot. Does anybody sell starters that are adjustable in that regard? As soon as I get the starter situation solved I do plan on backing off 2 - 4 degs. on the timing. I thought about a ignition kill switch, new aftermarket flexplate, and gear reduction starter(Summit maybe). Thanks for any advice.

lukemoore646

you can't overlook the flexplate being the problem either, maybe all along