Technical chevy 235 starter help

I have a 54 chevy 3100 with the stock 235 in line six. I just put the motor back together and I'm having trouble getting the starter to engage. It just grinds on the flywheel when I attempt to start it. I know there is a difference between the 54 6V flywheel and the 55 12V flywheel, but I'm pretty sure I have the correct 54 flywheel (4 teeth per inch). I did replace the flywheel as when I went to have it resurfaced the machine shop said it was shot and they had one lying around in good shape. I matched them up and they appeared to be the same, but that was before I knew there was a slight difference between 54/55. I also upgraded to a 12 volt system, but still running the 6V starter with the foot button starter.
Thanks

 

Did you actually count the teeth on the old starter ring and the teeth on the new starter ring to make sure they have the same number of teeth? Also, if the edges of the teeth facing the starter on the flywheel are beveled from years of the starter gear engaging on them, you may need to replace the starter ring. Not a difficult thing to do other than having to pull the flywheel.

 

Thanks, pulling the flywheel is what I'm trying to avoid. I will look at the wear via the starter window. I read elsewhere that the 55 flywheel has 5 teeth per inch. this one is four, but not exactly four so subject to interpretation. The old flywheel already went to the scrape yard

 

And the 6 to twelve volt is not your problem.

 

I wouldn't go by teeth per inch.....you need to count all the teeth to be certain. This is a pretty comprehensive article on the differences in the flywheels.

http://devestechnet.com/Home/Flywheel

 

If you are set on the 12v conversion pick up the 55 12v starter with the smaller starter drive pinion. You can't just switch the starter drive because the armature shaft size on the 55 starter is a smaller size.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Thanks everyone for the good advice. I plan to try to count the flywheel teeth w/o removing it to verify I have the correct year flywheel. If I have the correct flywheel/starter then my problem is most likely a worn ring gear. I will either replace or flip. uuggh as I just got the tranny/drivetrain all put in place.
One of my local friends suggested that I may need to shim the starter for proper engagement. Does anyone have any advice on that or process?

 

6 volt and 12 volt have a different tooth count ( and not by much )
Need to count all the teeth on the ring gear
And if it’s a 12 v ringgear and 6 v starter it won’t work

6 volt starter will live on a 12 volt system

But still better to use 12 volt

 

This type starter wasn't designed to take shims. Just in case you do have the 1955 flywheel and you go ahead with the 12v conversion the starter number for the 12v 1955 starter is 1107634 or rebuilt number 3599.
Good luck.

 

I have seen where the after market casting on the stater needed machine work because it was too far away, paper clip is about the right thickness as far as using for a gauge , went through starters and 2 fly wheels finally bought new starter and fly wheel no more problems ,I know it a pain in the ass to check but a necessary effort in the long run

 

On your truck, the starter should bolt up to the bellhousing.

 

I don't think you can flip the ring gear. One side is chamfered if I remember correctly.

 

OK, I'm back on this and I counted the teeth on the flywheel by marking every 5th tooth and the total teeth I have is 172. From my research this flywheel is off a chevy 292 engine. So what is my best option?

a) find a starter that will mate up to a 172 tooth flywheel (needs to fit on a 235 bellhousing). Would I loose the foot starter button?
b) buy a new 139 tooth ring gear and install on the existing flywheel.
c) buy a complete new flywheel with a 139 tooth ring gear.
d) other?

 

Mine was chamfered on both sides and I was able to flip it. This is on a 168-T truck flywheel.

 

That one should take a 168 tooth ring gear similar to this one on Rock Auto. http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=65881&cc=1326361&jsn=400
No need to order one and pay shipping as most local parts houses should have or be able to get you one for around 20.00 give or take.
On the tooth count you may have miscounted as a quick search shows that the only common 172 tooth ring gear is on Mopars. I looked up my 68 292 and it takes a 168 tooth ring gear. Also I don't believe a 292 flywheel will bolt on to a 235.