c3 bb starter noise.

[Andrew Strauss]

I have discussed this problem before on this board and had some very good ideas thrown at me as to how to correct excessive starter noise on a big block,unfortunately none have corrected the problem.I have a new flywheel[car is an automatic]I also have a new starter wich may not be a quality rebuild unit,The bolt pattern is staggered and has the correct shoulder type bolts installed.I have tried to shim the starter with no success,it does not matter if it has 1 or 10 shims the noise is the same.I replaced the starter previously to attempt to correct this same noise.The old starter and new one sound exactly the same.What are the odds 2 starters would sound exactly the same?If the end result is to buy a quality starter,who comes highly recomended?

tHANKS

[Wayne P.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

Learn to accept the noise. I have with mine. Tried all the same stuff, it didn't help.

[Jim T.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

I have a 70 smallblock and the flexplate and starter are original, have about 160K on them and no abnormal sound. With a new flexplate and new starter and you still have the noise, what kind of noise is it? The gear reduction starters are reasonable in price, wonder how one would work in your application?

[Andrew Strauss]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

Its a grinding noise.I find it hard to believe these cars did this when new.

[Jim T.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

I have had mine since it was new and never had any grinding problems. Wish I could tell you what the problem is.

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

I didn't read/follow your first post regarding the starter noise, so I may be repeating some ideas. Also, I agree that a 'grinding' noise wouldn't accompany a new car.

Can you electrically rig up the starter outside of the vehicle, that is to say, keep the starter attached electrically but not mount it to the engine? In this configuration, turn the ignition as you normally would to start the car and see if the 'grinding' noise is coming from the starter itself. If it doesn't, then the noise obviously must be in the engine area.

If it is the starter, then at least with the starter not mounted, you may be better able to access where the grinding is coming from within the starter itself. I hope this is clear. Keep posting if you continue to hear noise.

[Clem Z.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

since two different starters make the same noise i would suspect the starter ring. also do you have the starter brace that goes from the end of the starter to the block

[Gene M.]

Re: ring gear replaced?

If the flywheel ring gear was replaced was it put on backwards, as some have a leadin similar to the starter gear but to a lesser degree.

[Andrew Strauss]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

I do not have the brace on the back.Was this stock or should i add it?The flywheel is new and i dont believe it can be put on backwards because then the torque convertor would not bolt up correctly,I could be wrong about that but I looked at that before installation and thought it could only go on one way.

thanks

[Clem Z.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

a lot of corvettes used the brace part #354353 on the starter. i think the reference to the starter ring on backwards is for a clutch flywheel where the starter ring gear is replacable

[Harmon C.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

Andrew Check your aim and if you need the brace it could lead to finding a problem or solving one when you install it. Lyle

[Andrew Strauss]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

I am going to try the brace.Are these available from most parts suppliers?I talked with a friend who said he had the same problem with a big block truck he was restoring.He said shim the starter on one bolt at a time,not both and see if the acceptable ditance between teeth and starter gear can be achieved.He said the ditance is about the size of a rivet.I will keep everyone informed as to my progress

Thanks Andrew

[Terry M.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise. *TL*

Andrew, the proper dimension (between lowest point between two gear teeth and peak of tooth) is about the size of an ordinary paper clip. The problem with doing it, is one needs about three hands in a space where only one will fit.
Try shim material (available at most parts stores in the red HELP bubble packs) that is shaped to fit starters. Adding shims usually becomes a trial and error process. I would be weary of adding a shim to only one bolt at a time. I think this might inordinately stress the nose of the starter - an already highly stressed part.
I believe the brace is still available from Chevrolet, but will rely on Joe Lucia for the part number. He has posted it (them) before and likely has them committed to memory. The brace will add to the longevity of your starter motor. Use it, regardless of whether it helps the sound, or not.

[Terry M.]

Sorry Clem *TL*

I failed to notice you had already posted the part # for the starter brace.

[Jack H.]

Re: c3 bb starter noise.

The full lineup of starter braces is in the Paragon catalog with nice pictures of different braces for different years & engine configurations. Paragon's #1441 brace for '66-74 BB is a whooping $3 item!