Starter Acting Weird

[Faulk21NG238]

I just recently got my 80 Malibu running, but I am now having probelms with the starter. The car has a 383 stroker SBC with a 168 tooth flex plate and a mini starter to match. Most of the time the motor starts no problem. The issue I have is that sometimes the starter sounds like its grinding :? . It does not happen all of the time so I cannot really jack it up and look under it to see whats going on. Sounds just like a starter would sound if you had the motor started and turned the key again, but when it does it, the motor is not started yet. Any help is appreciated.

 

[fatso86]

you need to take it out and put some spacers in......you can get them cheap at local auto shop

 

[pontiacgp]

it does not need shims if it's an intermittent problem...the starter is probably made in china and that's the problem.

 

[Blake442]

Is your flex-plate new?
If not, it could have some worn teeth that will result in that lovely noise...

 

[Faulk21NG238]

Nope entire motor is new. I will give the shims a try. Thanks

 

[pontiacgp]

it's very rare that shims are needed and if the old starter didn't need shims then neither does this one...does it only happen when the engine is hot?.

 

[Faulk21NG238]

Yes, actually it only happens when the engine is hot, but again it doesnt happen every time.

 

[pontiacgp]

if it only happens when it's hot I'd be looking at the solenoid...I run headers so I installed a ford style solenoid to prevent any problems with the solenoid heating up

 

[Faulk21NG238]

I am runnung headers as well. I have a radiant heat wrap around it, maybe its still getting too hot. This may be a dumb question, but how do you wire that up?

 

[pontiacgp]

it's not a dumb question....and it's easy to do plus with the remote solenoid you don't have a hot wire at the starter from the battery until you turn the key...