Damaged flywheel teeth

[Noel B.]

My 66 corvette has a 327/300 engine. Every now and then I get a grinding sound when I turn the key to start the engine. Then I have to turn the key several times with the noise until the flywheel moves enough to start. This is very infrequent. The starter motor is almost new. I'm thinking that I must have a damaged tooth on the flywheel. How big of a job is it to replace the flywheel? Thanks for your guidance.

[Joe L.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

My 66 corvette has a 327/300 engine. Every now and then I get a grinding sound when I turn the key to start the engine. Then I have to turn the key several times with the noise until the flywheel moves enough to start. This is very infrequent. The starter motor is almost new. I'm thinking that I must have a damaged tooth on the flywheel. How big of a job is it to replace the flywheel? Thanks for your guidance.

Noel------


Well, you have to remove the shift linkage, transmission, and bellhousing. After that, it's easy.

[Noel B.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Also, I have a Powerglide transmission.

[Bob R.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Similar procedure you have to remove the transmission to get to the flywheel, an automatic is a little easier but there is still a bit of work.

[Edward J.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Noel, I have done some automatic flywheels and the easy way is to find two longer 3/8 bolts ( 2 to 3 inch's)and thread them into the lower holes and remove the rear trans. mount and linkage from shifter, unhook speedo cable and wires to switch. Then remove torque convertor bolts and push back.and then take a pry bar and slide transmission back, this should provide enough room to remove flywheel bolts. ( use a good off set wrench not badly worn)

[Russ S.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

With all the work involved, I would remove the lower flywheel shield and slowly rotate the engine checking the flywheel teeth for damage first.

[Joe L.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

With all the work involved, I would remove the lower flywheel shield and slowly rotate the engine checking the flywheel teeth for damage first.

Russ-----


Yup!

[Noel B.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Thanks - good suggestion.

[John L.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Noel
While your investigating this you should also check the two starter attachment bolts. Verify that your starter has the correct bolts that have an "expanded" shank that positions the starter in the correct clearance to the flywheel.

[Jon R.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Noel,

I had that problem on one of my '63s. I removed the starter and the inspection cover plate at the back of the engine. I rotated the engine and I was able to find a few teeth on the flywheel that had burrs. I carefully filed them down smooth. I also replaced the slightly worn gear on the starter and have not had the problem since.

Might be an easier approach first before removing the transmission!

Regards,

Jon

[Dan B.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Noel,

You mention the starter motor is almost new, was this a problem previous to replacement? You may need to shim the new starter if gear clearnance has become an issue now. Worth a check, and an easy fix. Dan

[Noel B.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Now that you mention shims, I installed a sheet metal heat shield for the starter shortly after replacing it. I can't remember if the problem occurred before the heat shield was installed. It seems like mounting the heat shield would act as a shim. Should I try removing the shield? I installed the shield because the ignition wires at the starter looked a little fried.

[Joe L.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

Now that you mention shims, I installed a sheet metal heat shield for the starter shortly after replacing it. I can't remember if the problem occurred before the heat shield was installed. It seems like mounting the heat shield would act as a shim. Should I try removing the shield? I installed the shield because the ignition wires at the starter looked a little fried.

Noel-----

If you installed a stock type heat shield on the starter SOLENOID, that will not act as a shim. The shims that are being mentioned here install between the starter nose and the engine block. Those are the only type that affect the articulation of the starter drive gear and flywheel ring gear.

[Noel B.]

Re: Damaged flywheel teeth

You are correct. I forgot how the shield was mounted but it did not shim the starter. Thanks!