So I have been plagued by starter problems, well today I tried re-adjusting the starter, because all it does is make a grinding noise. The starter is shimmed and matches up with the flexplate perfectly. For some odd reason the starter keeps turning and pull the drive away from the flexplate causing it to grind.

But today, I got it to turn over with some work on prying the starter into position. But after, the wires for the starter were smoking and the hot wire was well, hot to the touch.

Any clue what could be causing this? None of the wires are crossing, and all are hooked correctly.

Also my brake lights don't work, the bulbs are good, maybe a blown fuse or relay?

 

The wires got hot because of excessive current, possibly due to a faulty starter or ignition switch. Have you removed the starter and had it tested? If not, you should. If so, then you may have a faulty ignition switch that does not remove voltage to the solenoid after you release the key to the run position. You should replace the wire that has been damaged as well.
Brakes, could be a blown fuse, or faulty wiring, or faulty sockets, or bad ground. Corrosion is your enemy in more ways than just body rot.

 

p.s

Buy and keep a fire extinguisher handy, I had a 69 442 [ I had just bought] almost catch on fire because some yahoo's the starter wire work.

 

Sounds like your starter is binding on the flywheel. Is this a automatic or a stick application. If it is an automatic then you have a torque plate not a flywheel and it may be bent and causing your problem. Also as stated earlier take the starter to a good parts store and have it tested as well

 

Starter has been tested, and worked fine until here recently. The flexplate, which is what I call a torque plate, is brand new.

The starter is shimmed and hits the flywheel perfectly, but like I said, the starter literally, the whole starter, turns outward and then just grinds on the flexplate.

 

your starter is bolted down solid, and it turns outward..does it break the bolts when it does this?

 

No, there is a grove that the topof the bolt goes into and it forces the bolt out of the grove. It takes a couple of starts before it does this

 

sounds like stripped threads to me.

 

You possibly have bent starter bolts Not uncommon also do you have the bracket that bolts on the back of the starter to block ??? A correct starter should not need more than 1 shim if any .030 Max

 

The starter bolts and starter are almost brand new, but its an after market starter, mini gear reduction starter. Threads are not stripped, they tighten down tight and hold tight, no metal shavings when I take them in and out.

And nope I don't have the bracket, I have been thinking about it, and I would try to make one, but it's too cold out to even attempt to put it on.

 

Could the timing be off some maybe cousing this problem. Maybe 180* and kicking back?

 

It is slightly out of time, so that may be one problem.