deucesw

Here's a picture of the starter on my son's 96 RM, it was brand new about a week ago. It's the 3rd or 4th one we've tried, with shims, without, doesn't matter. Anyone have an idea what's wrong?

BTW, we've had the flexplate into a machine shop, it checked good.

hrcslam

Last time mine did that, it was hydrolock.

RicanSkylark

Interesting, I went to replace my starter today and the nose cone was cracked just like yours.

92camaroguy

iTrader: (1)

I had two do that to me,my case was the flexplate was on backwards. The last one only lasted for three cranks.
I went with the vette lt4 starter and haven't had a problem since.

RicanSkylark

Three cranks! don't scare me, the guy in the parts store told me the lifetime warranty don't cover broken nose cone.


I forgot to mention, its on my 1964 Chevelle, 350 sbc.

94_LT1_TransAm

Well that kinda defeats the purpose of a warranty, don't it lol

Shownomercy

iTrader: (1)

You check tooth engagement etc?

RicanSkylark

Yes, I had to install one shim to get the proper clearance.

RicanSkylark

I just hope I don't need to use the warranty!

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Not when the starter body is broken to the point of not being able to refurbish it.

97lt1camaro

iTrader: (3)

When was the last time the cal and rotor were changed? I had a Silverado that would back spin just for a second when starting up and it blew the starter apart

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

I broke three starters due to that when I blew one of my head gaskets.

Blown head gaskets can give themselves away in one of several ways.

Check your oil for coolant contamination (foamy and/or looking like chocolate milk).

KW

deucesw

Thanks for the all the replies, I will make my checklist and begin going through it.

hrcslam

My head gasket let go with little warning. It was fine, then it wasn't and I had a broken starter. Usually there are warnings, coolant disappearing, coolant in oil, white to blue smoke, etc. Mine didn't do any of that,

KW Baraka

iTrader: (7)

I had a lot of white steam out my tailpipes on start-up (maybe for a minute or so), but I attributed it to condensation.

Finally got to the point of breaking starters and when I had enough of the madness.....I decided to pull the block and trouble shoot it piece-by-piece.

Started detaching wires/hoses/etc.....and for some reason, my buddy unscrewed a spark plug. Coolant flowed out like Niagara ******* Falls! Took out the plug next to it.....same result.....more fluid flowing out.

So.....even what seems to be a 'normal' amount of moisture burning off.....can be a bad thing. Still, though....most common (easy) detection of a blown head gasket is coolant contaminated oil.....

KW