Comments on Starter / Flywheel

[Kramer]

Guys, I have a 427 SO motor that I am trying to solve an ongoing starter problem. The motor was built for me and then I had another shop install it. (fyi..the bellhousing is a lakewood (as recommended by ERA). The shop that installed my motor did a great job and installed a powermaster starter. That only lasted for about 30 starts then failed and almost seem to pop off away from the the block. Given the information on this board, I decided to put in the OEM starter. Last week it began to grind again. Actually it either grinded or started just fine. (Last weekend it starter up three times perfectly).

I decided to pull the starter and take a look. I have included some pics, can you let me know what you think?

My plan now is replace the flywheel and take the starter in to starter expert based on some additional CC readings.

[blykins]

How many teeth are on the flywheel? FE flywheels are available in two different sizes and the Lakewood bellhousing has a block plate that will allow both. It may be possible that the combination is mismatched.

[Kramer]

I don't know...how can one tell how many teeth are on the flywheel? I will call the engine builder tomorrow but was wondering how you can check this out for yourself?

[CobraEd]

You might try counting them, but that is only me talking. What do I know :-)


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[Kramer]

Yes, you can count them...assuming you can turn the engine over with one hand and count the teeth at the same time...That method will have to wait til I have help.

[Kramer]

On the other hand, I have been told to pull the spark plugs and push with a screw driver. I will try that one as well.

[blykins]

Just have someone turn the engine over from the front with a socket and breaker bar....you can count that way.

You will either have a 176T or 184T flywheel. The Lakewood block plate should have two knock-outs so that you can stick the starter where you need to stick it according to what flywheel you're using.

[Kramer]

Blykins - Thank you. Apologies - I am one of those guys that wants to know more but just don't have the mechanical education. Now that I know that I have at least one tooth missing, I will have to get a new flywheel right?...and if so, is there a good flywheel/ starter combination that I should use? The Lakewood Bellhousing came from ERA so I assume that does not need to be replaced. (its a standard bore 427 SO with 10.5 to 1 compression.

Thanks again.

[blykins]

You don't have to get a new flywheel, you can contact your local machine shop and ask them what they would charge to fit a new ring gear onto your existing flywheel.

I've never priced that out, so I can't give you a ballpark, but surely it would be cheaper than buying a new flywheel (about $250). I would approach that direction first and if you end up needing a new wheel, I can guide you in the right direction.

Do you know what brand/part number your existing wheel is?

[blykins]

BTW,

Can you check your existing block plate to see if it has the extra knockout? I just searched my catalog and it looks like they may not be making them like that anymore. I mainly sell Quicktime bellhousings so I haven't looked closely at a Lakewood lately.

I would double check that to make sure...you may have to switch flywheels after all.

[Kramer]

Good idea on new ring gear onto your existing flywheel. I will call the engine builder tomorrow to confirm what part/brand number the existing flywheel is. I am assuming the block plate is the piece between the bellhousing and the block. If so, I don't see any knockout holes. If it helps you identify that piece, I do see three holes along the bottom of the plate, all about inch to inch and half in diameter along the bottom of the plate.

Much Appreciated.

[blykins]

That's it....the piece between the block and the bellhousing.

That would be the first step I would take....see if you can find out exactly what flywheel you're working with.

[mdross1]

It shows that the teeth are not meshing fully,no wonder it is giving you trouble.