BBC starter problems

Mike Graham · 01-24-2022, 08:37 PM

427 bbc with a stock starter makes horrible grinding noises.
Here is what I have done.
Shims all different positions.
checked the engagement with a paper clip
2 different starters
1 new flexplate.
It has the knurled bolts and the rear brace.
Had someone else try their hand at it
The starters have the bolts directly across from each other.
Nothing changes the noise.
Any suggestions?

Jeff Stout · 01-24-2022, 08:58 PM

Bench test? Quiet spinning? Sufficient voltage. Large enough cable? Can you reach solenoid and try starting by jumping with screwdriver.

Bill Bogues · 01-24-2022, 09:11 PM

168 tooth or 153 tooth flywheel. 153 has starter bolts straight across 168 tooth flywheel has staggered bolt starter pattern. Most stock big blocks had 168 tooth flywheel. hope this helps.

Mike Graham · 01-24-2022, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bogues

168 tooth or 153 tooth flywheel. 153 has starter bolts straight across 168 tooth flywheel has staggered bolt starter pattern. Most stock big blocks had 168 tooth flywheel. hope this helps.

This starter has the bolts straight across. The block has three holes,but only the 2 straight across are taped. If I had a 153 tooth starter and a 168 tooth flexplate would the starter work?

Jeff Stout · 01-24-2022, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Graham

This starter has the bolts straight across. The block has three holes,but only the 2 straight across are taped. If I had a 153 tooth starter and a 168 tooth flexplate would the starter work?

No. The nose on the starter is in a different location. But you stated you used the paperclip for spacing then it tells me they are a match.

Terry Cain · 01-24-2022, 10:21 PM

Have somewhat of same problem, (sorta). Been through 3 flex plates in 2 seasons. Just wears teeth out. We've shimmed, checked, rechecked and come to conclusion that cheap flex plates and material coming from Chun wo ho. . BBC also, 168T.

Tom Goldman · 01-24-2022, 10:24 PM

Do you have a aftermarket crankshaft ?
Some aftermarket cranks have a thicker crank flange which moves the flexplate closer to the starter drive which can prevent the starter drive from spinning out and engaging properly.
Most aftermarket starters come with a pair of shims which move the drive away from the flexplate.

01-24-2022, 08:37 PM	#1
Mike Graham Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 410 Likes: 1 Liked 341 Times in 67 Posts	BBC starter problems 427 bbc with a stock starter makes horrible grinding noises. Here is what I have done. Shims all different positions. checked the engagement with a paper clip 2 different starters 1 new flexplate. It has the knurled bolts and the rear brace. Had someone else try their hand at it The starters have the bolts directly across from each other. Nothing changes the noise. Any suggestions?

01-24-2022, 08:58 PM	#2
Jeff Stout VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: phoenix Posts: 1,484 Likes: 65 Liked 704 Times in 281 Posts	Re: BBC starter problems Bench test? Quiet spinning? Sufficient voltage. Large enough cable? Can you reach solenoid and try starting by jumping with screwdriver. Last edited by Jeff Stout; 01-24-2022 at 08:59 PM. Reason: More

01-24-2022, 09:11 PM	#3
Bill Bogues Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bethany La. Posts: 322 Likes: 95 Liked 169 Times in 53 Posts	Re: BBC starter problems 168 tooth or 153 tooth flywheel. 153 has starter bolts straight across 168 tooth flywheel has staggered bolt starter pattern. Most stock big blocks had 168 tooth flywheel. hope this helps. __________________ Bill Bogues 4696 STK

01-24-2022, 10:21 PM	#6
Terry Cain Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgetown, Indiana (close to Louisville, KY) Posts: 774 Likes: 530 Liked 230 Times in 106 Posts	Re: BBC starter problems Have somewhat of same problem, (sorta). Been through 3 flex plates in 2 seasons. Just wears teeth out. We've shimmed, checked, rechecked and come to conclusion that cheap flex plates and material coming from Chun wo ho. . BBC also, 168T. __________________ Terry Cain ???? STK tcain19689585@gmail.com

01-24-2022, 10:24 PM	#7
Tom Goldman VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Allentown,PA Posts: 2,473 Likes: 878 Liked 856 Times in 234 Posts	Re: BBC starter problems Do you have a aftermarket crankshaft ? Some aftermarket cranks have a thicker crank flange which moves the flexplate closer to the starter drive which can prevent the starter drive from spinning out and engaging properly. Most aftermarket starters come with a pair of shims which move the drive away from the flexplate. __________________ Tom Goldman 1500 SG , 1506 STK