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The time has come to replace the starter on my '72 Supreme 455, and I have a few questions:
1. Will I need to shim the new one?
2. Just in case I still have the original, is there a date code?
3. If I do have the original, should I just have it rebuilt and use it, or have it rebuilt and shelve it?
4. Or, if I do have the original, should I just replace the solenoid?
I've never shimmed an Olds starter in half a century of working on these cars. Unless the windings are toast, you've better off rebuilding your original - there's no telling what quality you'll get in a rebuilt, or if it is even the right starter. I use a quality solenoid, starter drive, and brushes. I've collected a stock on NOS Delco parts. Also inspect the fork on the starter drive lever for wear. I've flipped these over in cases where the two wear tabs were worn on the drive side. You can also get new ones.
Look for a local auto electric re-builder with their name on the door and get yours rebuilt, not exchanged. I wouldn't go to a big box auto chain for a rebuilt.
Look for a local auto electric re-builder with their name on the door and get yours rebuilt, not exchanged. I wouldn't go to a big box auto chain for a rebuilt.
Good luck!!!
Just do it yourself. The first thing I learned in high school auto shop class was how to rebuild a starter.
Thanks for the replies, but one question remains unanswered...if it's the original starter, how would I know? Also, I wasn't planning on buying a reman. I was going with 100% new.
I believe your best bet is to (1) rebuild it on your own or (2) "if" you insist on getting a (new to you) starter, purchase an OEM "rebuilt" starter. They're simple to rebuild, you'll have an OEM original starter (fits perfect) and new "innards" which often are superior to the innards of the original. I would not buy a brand new starter from anyone - buy rebuilt OEM - they're excellent.
I suspect it will have the OEM number on it...1109022
Sorry, Norm. This is a classic example of why you need to be very careful using a Parts Book. Per that consolidated listing, EVERY Olds V8 in RWD applications from 1964 to 1975 used the same 1109022 starter. That is definitely NOT the case. This is simply part numbers being superseded.
Here's the same Group 2.041 listing from the January 1972 edition of the Parts Book, and even here numbers have been superseded. In the Sept 1968 edition, the starter motor for the 68-69 H/O is P/N 1108333, which isn't even shown in this 1972 list.
The ultimate authority for the original starter motor part number as installed on the assembly line is the Engine Assembly Manual. Unfortunately the newest one of those I have is for 1971, which shows that all RWD 455s got starter P/N 1108387 that year. You will note that this is not the number listed in the parts book.
Hi Dave, should be 1108389 on stock starter for 72, Tim
If I were You, I would have the one in it rebuilt at local shop, has to be one around VB area, also the accel solenoid used to be the trick thing to use for longevity
You could also go the new aftermarket OEM style replacement route - Powermaster 3510 is a direct bolt-in OEM style part - an all-brand new 168 tooth gear unit. Have one on my 350 for last 6 years. Good upgrade from stock for not a lot of $$
You could also go the new aftermarket OEM style replacement route - Powermaster 3510 is a direct bolt-in OEM style part - an all-brand new 168 tooth gear unit. Have one on my 350 for last 6 years. Good upgrade from stock for not a lot of $$
168 tooth is a Chevy flywheel. Most Olds flywheels have 166 teeth. (yeah, diesels and engines bolted to TH325 and TH325-4L transmissions used different tooth counts).
Unfortunately the newest one of those I have is for 1971, which shows that all RWD 455s got starter P/N 1108387 that year. You will note that this is not the number listed in the parts book.[/QUOTE]
I too need to rebuild my starter, Where would this P/N 1108387 number be located? (no the start has not yet been pulled).
I know it has been rebuilt 2/3 times since the car was purchased new and all at the same place (Sound Starter Rebuild, Tacoma, WA), I suspect this company has now changed ownership.
I believe your best bet is to (1) rebuild it on your own or (2) "if" you insist on getting a (new to you) starter, purchase an OEM "rebuilt" starter. They're simple to rebuild, you'll have an OEM original starter (fits perfect) and new "innards" which often are superior to the innards of the original. I would not buy a brand new starter from anyone - buy rebuilt OEM - they're excellent.
Dave - On my phone. I looked at them earlier today when on my PC. My preference would be the Remy. Can’t recall price. I think they offered both a GM and Gold Professional? I’d probably opt for the Professional. I believe RA is a good choice.
It is not the original starter. 1998435 was originally used on 1984-87 G-body cars with a Chevy 305. The 4D16 date code shows 1984 (4) April (D) 16th. Obviously this is a rebuilt frankenstarter using parts from whatever was in the rebuilder's core bin.
It is not the original starter. 1998435 was originally used on 1984-87 G-body cars with a Chevy 305. The 4D16 date code shows 1984 (4) April (D) 16th. Obviously this is a rebuilt frankenstarter using parts from whatever was in the rebuilder's core bin.
Thanks Joe...good to know.. it will be my core. Just out of curiosity, would it be different internally since it was designed for the later, lower performance engines?
Thanks Joe...good to know.. it will be my core. Just out of curiosity, would it be different internally since it was designed for the later, lower performance engines?
It's a rebuild. There is no way to tell what's inside of it. It's a pile of mix-and-match parts, which is why I shy away from commercial rebuilders.
