My starter has always seem sketchy when starting the engine. Lately, it has been staying engaged for a second after the engine fires up. It makes the typical kickback/groan noise and no issues after that.

Was wondering if too much intial timing can cause this behavior?

d1

 

Sounds like you might not have enough clearance between the starter and ring gear. You may have to shim the starter away from the bellhousing.

 

hows the carb?... i think you need to perform an exorcism on your car

 

Whip it off (easy job) and correctly space it to the ring gear as Don said.
While it's out some WD40 or similar to clean off the pinion and make sure it is free would be a good idea imo, maybe a smear of copper grease on the pinion shaft before refitting it would help prevent further issues.


Roger.

 

Is this a trial and error thing? One shim at a time and check for proper operation?


Running a Speed Demon 750 right now. Still in the tuning phase, but at least I can drive my car. Put over 300 miles on it in the last 3 days. Trying to make up for lost time.

Copper grease? Didn't know that existed, thanks for the advice.

 

Is this a mini starter or stock? Proper shiming will usually cure the issue you describe, however the term kickback with regard to timing is a completely different issue. Sometimes a sticking starter drive or bad solenoid can cause similar symptoms. I don't like to use a lubricant on flex plates.

 

It is the stock starter. A mini starter would be nice though. I hate fighting with the heavy stock version.

 

Yeah the old stock starter is a handful. Check your flex plate to starter gear clearance by manually extending the starter gear out and sticking something in there to keep it extended. I usually slip a paperclip in between where the 2 gears meet, it should fit somewhat snug. The gear can stick if the engine is not turning, however as soon as the engine is spinning it should be pulled back by the return spring in the solenoid.

 

I'm referring to the shaft the pinion that engages the ring gear moves on Eric. I don't mean smearing grease everywhere either. Just making sure the pinion is free to move on its shaft is all the lube required.
It was something often done in the days of the inertia starters ubiquitous on British cars of the '50s, '60s and '70s.


Roger.

 

Thanks for the correction Roger, I do lubricate the shaft with a light oil.

 

The noise could also be the drive locking in both directions. If you take the starter off, spin the drive gear with your fingers. It should lock if turned CCW and it should turn with some resistance if turned CW. If it turns easily with very little resistance or if it is very tight or feels rough, the drive should be replaced. When lubricating the shaft, use the minimum amount of lube needed. Too much lube will collect dirt and eventually do more harm than good. If you use a quality drive, the bushing in the pinion that rides on the shaft is impregnated with lube and is self lubricating, so the shaft only needs the minimum to prevent corrosion.

 

The proper clearance should be noted in your FSM although the paper clip suggestion is probably good. You need to make sure the shims are factory style and cover the entire mounting surface of the starter.

 

Sometimes this is not necessarily true. You may need to shim one side or the other more to achieve the correct fit.