Spacing problem with starter

David Biele · #1 (**permalink**) 06-21-2003, 09:48 PM

Hey guys,

I am having a problem with the spacing of the of the starter gear to the distance to the flywheel. I have a stroked 351W (sportsman block) now a 377 ci. I am using a Mcleod steel bellhousing with a alum. flywheel. I only have .100 spacing between the inside flat of scatter shield and the face of the flywheel. I would need a spacer of at least .375 to have the correct spacing. Any help??? I hope Mr fixit can help me clear up why I have this problem..

Dave

Roscoe · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2003, 07:50 AM

Dave,
What starter do you have. I have a CSI Hitachi type and had to use their spacer kit to get my gear lined up properly. The spacers actually went inside the starter.

Roscoe

Steve Siedlecki · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 11:35 AM

Dave,
I have a similar setup. I have a mcleod scattershield with a ford motorsports hi torque starter. I had to machine a .375 spacer for my set up. If you want I can cnc machine one for you if you can't get one.
Steve

Mr.Fixit · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 11:53 AM

I haven't followed your description of the problem very well. Is the starter motor's gear too close to the flywheel? Such as the flywheel will rub the starter motor's gear while engine is running? I have installed many a McLeod scattershield on a windsor, using regular starters, hi-torque, and mini starters. The only thing to do was: Make sure correct starter for application, mounted in correct location for flywheel diameter (there are 2 options on the scattershield), lightly open up the circular hole in the motor plate if the register ring on the starter won't fit, use a starter shim from NAPA or PEP-BOYS to move starter motor away from the flywheel another .100" or so.

"I only have .100 spacing between the inside flat of scatter shield and the face of the flywheel. I would need a spacer of at least .375 to have the correct spacing."

So there is .100" between the backside of the flywheel and the motor plate? The motor plate is about .250 thick, + the .100" spacing gets you to .350". If you need more space, a regular stamped parts store starter shim will get you even more room.

Where is this magical .375" number coming from? What kind of starter are you using?

David Biele · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 12:12 PM

Kory,

Check your mail. Call me at the office Please.

714-893-0152

David

trularin · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2003, 12:55 PM

I think the starter's alignment and spacing is relative to the number of teeth on the flywheel. The 164 teeth wheels are bigger in diameter.

I think there is a 157. There may be more. I hate getting old, I can't remember poop.

I have heard of this problem three other times and each time it turned out to be the wrong starter for the flywheel.

Hey, just my $0.02 worth.