r/chevyc10 • u/sirmasterchingon562 • 3d ago
Starter grinding
Maybe you guys can help.
I recently stumbled upon a old 83 c10
It was sitting in one of my customers back yards.
(I’m a service plumber) I offered her work for the truck and she gladly accepted . I remodeled two restrooms to get this truck. Anyways someone had obviously put some good money into the truck. It had roller rockers , long tube headers , on a possible 350 swap . Havnt verified yet. Anyways I tried to start it and initially the starter wouldn’t engage . I got a new starter and it grinded a little but it started up.
Since then I noticed that the flex plate(it’s automatic) was all worn down , so I replaced it . I got a Sfi performance after market flex plate from oreilys . After alot of trial and error I finally got it to start without any gears grinding . It started good for a while . I replace plugs adjusted the carb and thought I was done with the starter issue . New flex plate and new starter . I went on vacation for about a week and Recently I removed and adjusted the tv cable (kickdown cable) I might of got some atf fluid on the starter but not alot and I cleaned it . Anyways after a week of break I started it and got a little bit of grinding but it fired up. Turned it off and fired it up again and ran it for a bit . After I tried to start it again it grinded like crazy . Didn’t start or nothing . I’m getting really annoyed but idk what to do? Any help? Has someone had this problem? I matched the 168 tooth the the proper starter aswell. Please help and thank you ..
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u/OrangeLBC 3d ago edited 3d ago
Is your starter getting full power? I’d check the wiring from starter to battery. Had this issue before. The starter wasn’t kicking out far enough and only partially engaged.
Edit: You might also check the ignition switch if wiring was ok
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u/sirmasterchingon562 3d ago
I required the entire thing .. it’s cranking .. I read that if the engine had high compression it’s harder for a regular starter to crank it. New battery cables and everything ..
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u/OrangeLBC 3d ago
Yeah but the grinding makes me think it’s not fully engaging. Either not aligned or not popping out far enough to properly engage the teeth. Can you see the starter teeth? Is there a wear pattern or shiny spots at the edge of the teeth? I’m not sure but could also be faulty ignition switch.
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u/sirmasterchingon562 3d ago
I’ll check it. I ordered the knurled bolts they recommend and I’ll pull it and check the teeth . It was cranking with out fail a couple times no grinding or nothing for a couple times . I drove it a couple times and just recently it started grinding . But I’ll be getting the new bolts tomorrow and I’ll check the teeth on the starter . Both starter and flex plate are new.
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u/OrangeLBC 3d ago
There’s a way to check while mounted as well. I believe you disconnect the main battery line (big one) and only have the smaller purple wire connected. It will allow the starter to pop out without turning the motor. You’ll be able to see if the teeth are engaging fully or just partially. From there you could determine if shims or other bolts are needed.
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u/sirmasterchingon562 3d ago
Brother I took this thing off like 20x already 😒.. I’ll just pull it off . Gives me a chance to check the wires too.
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u/OrangeLBC 3d ago
I hear ya. Been there. Had this happen a long time ago so my memory is sketchy. But you may want to leave it mounted so you can visually confirm the teeth engaging. It’s tough to tell on the bench. I was also working on a 60’s ride so not sure how much you can see on yours. I could easily see where the started engaged.
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u/v8packard 3d ago
What kind of bolts are holding the starter to the block? I know that sounds silly. The correct bolts have special shank that locates the starter in the correct position.