I ordered a powermaster 9610 starter, says it fits all olds v8. I went to install it and it is not even close, the gear is way too far in to the flex plate. Any one else had this issue or know what part is correct?

 

Which way, is it the starter drive not reaching into the flexplate or it's too far above the gear for the teeth to contact?

 

The gear on the starter is to far into the flex plate. The shaft is almost lined up with the teeth. for this starter to work its like the flex plate would need to be about a half inch smaller.

 

Are you sure this isn't improperly boxed? It wouldn't be the first post where that happened.

 

Joe, that's the first thing I thought. It is stamped 9610 on the machined part but I guess it could be stamped wrong too.

 

Well, 9610s bolt to Olds motors, so if yours doesn't, it's obviously mis-marked or improperly machined. Post a photo or two.

 

Even the sbc mini starters bolt right on, something isn't right. My 9610 bolted right on my 403.