Put in a new GM starter about 15 months ago. The nose broke at 11 months, so I got a new one under warranty (lucky me). Have had no problems with it until yesterday, when it wouldn't start for my son (needed to haul some stuff). I tightened up the bolts, and I was surprosed at how loose they seemed to be. Now I'm thinking I need to shim it up (or it's broken again) because it is not meshing properly.

Should these bolts back out, or are the heads worn enough to not be holding, or are they streched?

Any guesses? I know it's an easy fix to get new ones, but will that really fix the problem? I know there are several cars on this site that eat starters, and I don't want to fall into that category.


advTHANKSance...

Are you using a starter brace?

Helps support the starter...less "leverage" on the bolts.

No brace - but it sounds like that's something I should do...

Are you using a actual 'new' starter or a rebuilt? I have had similar problems with rebuilts until I took a good look at it. Some rebuilts use bad cores that are worn in the bolt area. Use a rear brace along with a new starter and you should be fine.

Cecil
Are you using "real" starter bolts? The real deals have a knurl area on the shank that help prevent them from backing out. I'm sure that over time the knurl could get worn down/off and the bolts might not stay tight. If the bolts are any concern, I'd replace them. Only a couple of bucks at the parts store.

sometimes if the starter is to tightly spaced to the flywheel(tooth engaugement) the starter will wiggle every time you start it, and it can over time slightlt bend the bolts or loosen them-i always install the starter w/o the sol. so i can push the gear into the flywheel and ck for clearance

sometimes if the starter is to tightly spaced to the flywheel(tooth engaugement) the starter will wiggle every time you start it, and it can over time slightlt bend the bolts or loosen them-i always install the starter w/o the sol. so i can push the gear into the flywheel and ck for clearance

I never thought of that, it would sure make lining things up easier. When my brace arrives I'll try this...

Thanks.

No brace yet, but thought I'd try the "install without solenoid" trick. Turns out the shim I had is not necessary for part of my flexplate, probably not needed for the rest. Looks like a new flexplate is going on when I install the TH400, hopefully soon!

Meanwhile, my block has holes for both a "straight across" and an offset starter. The straight one would not torque (not need the brace?), so what is the advantage of the offset? I assume there is one...