Hey,

I am using a late model truck starter (one of those lighter gear reduction types, about a 1995) on my 65. I have a 168 tooth flex plate on my 700R4.

The starter cranks fine, engages well, starts the motor, but then doesn't want to let go. After the car starts, the starter gear stays engaged with the fly wheel for 3-4 seconds running loudly before pulling back off the flex plate.

I've tried shims. I put shims in until it started grinding. I put lithium grease on the fly wheel, no help.

I've heard there are different starter gears, one with 9 teeth and the other with 11 (or something like that). Do both kinds work with both types of flex plates (153 and 168 tooth) Would a new starter spring / gear help? Is it just a lame starter?

Sounds like you've already tried all the normal stuff

Have you tried one thin shim on each side?

I think I would try a new starter drive, then a new starter.

The shims I have are the kind that run diagonally across the starter to connect both starter bolts. That should be the equivalent of one thin shim on each side, no?

I think I also tried putting shims on one bolt but not the other, to create a bit of a "twist". No luck.

I have never taken a starter apart. I assume the "drive" includes the spring and the gear? I've seen kits for those.

Checkout Starter Procedure for Mini Starter

1. Pull pinion into flywheel place a screw driver behind the gear and pull forward
2. It will start to go back then stop still engaged in flywheel
3. Turn engine just a little by manually
4. Pinion should retract all the way
5. If it does no retract install one (1) .012 shim.
6. If you pull the pinion gear forward and it snaps back without stopping then you have to take about .040 off the mounting block or take the starter back.

Be sure that mounting block is not hitting the pan so it will lie flat the corner that’s relived may have to be ground off some more.

I am having the same issue, did you ever find out the cause?