I hesitate to start a new thread but my problem still exists and I am now looking at other possibilities. Recap( Rebuilt engine, never pulled flywheel off, new torque converter, loud scraping noise from bellhousing area, chewed up original starter teeth) Well, I pulled the newest starter out last night after the noise contuinued, As I was looking inside the bell with a mirror I noticed that the engine spacer plate overhangs the starter hole by 1 1/4" or so. Could this be allowing my starter to misalign? Although the new starter teeth look fine and there are no visible rub marks on it, I am wondering if I should try to "slot" the starter bolts holes and move it around some to see if that is the problem. Ideas? Scott (Sorry for so much board time!! I am ALMOST 100% done with the car, save paint, I promise, I will give back!!!)
By hand, pry the starter gear into the flexplate. (simulate starting the car by hand). This is not real easy, as there is not much room to work. If you can bend a screwdriver, that will help get the gear into the flexplate.(maybe someone knows a better way?) anyway, with the starter engaged to the flexplate, I think there should be about a 1/32 clearance between the starter gear and flexplate(where the teeth come together). I guy told me one time that if you can get a (straighten out) paper clip between the too, you have the proper clearance. Did any of that make since?
it made sense, actualy that is what I tried tonight before I read your post!. For some reason the same starter, plate and bell no longer line up!!! I shimmed the starter with 2 washers on the top and nothing but the bolt on the bottom. NO MORE PROBLEM! It started fine, made no sound and no whine when I shut her down! Time to play!! Thanks to all who responded. What a group!! Scott:bananaman
Scotty, I think you just made up for a problem that is still there. I bet that when the engine was installed, the plate came off the locating dowl pins, got out of alighnment when you bolted it togather and you just happened to not get into a bolt hole problem to tip you off to it. It about has to be the problem. Better take another look at that situation.
Pulled the bolts out last night, dowel pins are through the plate. I think I bent it (I know I did a little) when it was on the engine stand. Having tires and wheels pout on this wekend so I will have it up on a stand (a luxury my garage floor does not have) and I will take a hard look at it. I agree, I do not want to put a bandaid on a bleeder! Thanks, Scott
