SBC starter exploded...

So my dad's model A seemed to have some serious electrical issues, turns out that wasn't the issue. The true culprit was the casing around the gear on the starter had shattered from (I ***ume) not shimming the starter. Has anyone else had this happen to them? Please someone say yes, so I don't feel so dumb!!!

 

I had one on my Model A break. I think the bushing on the end was quite worn, the gear didn't go back so something had to give when it started. This starter had been on it for years.

 

Seems like it would have made a lot of noise from the first start.

 

I've seen it many times, usually the starter is not shimmed in deep enough so the drive gear climbs up on the flywheel teeth and shatters the aluminum. There is something like 14 starter noses and flywheel combinations.Also make sure the support bracket on the front of the starter is used.

 

I think there are only two for chevys, not counting the late model small starters

 

There are a lot more than two, you have large diameter standard shift, large diameter automatic, you have small diameter, you have steel nose large diameter standard and automatic. I didn't come up with the number, I don't remember the exact number, but it was around what I said. But two isn't even close.The auto parts store usually lumps them in, but check any good Chevrolet parts book. I use to do these a lot back in the 70's and 80's.

 

You're right, there are 4 part numbers

 

Not trying to beat a dead horse, but there are a lot more than four. In the mid seventies you had the full size metic starters, you also had the 55 chevy style which obviously isn't the one here.As simple as everyone thought Chevrolet starters were, they aren't.

 

It for the world sounded like a low battery, a quick clicking from the solenoid....I saw the carnage, I didn't realize the snout was made out of (cast, I suppose) aluminum. Engine sounds good, Aaron, throw my vacuum gauge on it, tidy up some wiring dangles, get a trans cooler on it, and head for Coquille this weekend !!!

 

Absolutely right... I've gone through more than a few boxes of the "same" part number rebuilds to find the one to match my core. Now I have MY cores rebuilt to ward off all possible evils. Picking up a used engine, try to get the starter that came with it. In all my years of farting around with the SBC, I've only had to shim 1 starter.

Bob

 

If you engage the starter while the motor is still turning sometimes you knock the nosecone right off.

 

That's the plan

 

The 3rd time I started it, there was horrendous noise!!!

 

I went through a few on a big block, it ended up that indeed you do need the torque strap on the front of the starter on certain engines. Might be the culprit in this case.