I installed a new starter on my 51 Chevy. Its got a 235 with a 3 speed. It went on and it starts the car fine, but when I release the starter ****on there is a s****ing sound. It sounds like the grear isnt retracting into the starter, it last about 2 seconds and then its fine. Should I worry about it? Thoughts?
"new" starter, aluminum nose? rebuilt with iron nose? spray white paint on the flywheel teeth, disconnect the coil, spin it a few times and check the pattern left on the teeth for even wear.
How does your starter mount???? For instance my chrysler starter mounts into a piloted hole - alignment is pretty much a given - not adjustable. However my chevy bolts to the bottom of the block. Rebuilt starter are sometimes remachined at the block mounting surface. While this makes them FLAT again it also makes them grind gears when installed without a shim or two!! When installing a starter on a SBC I always use the 1/8 and 5/32 allen key trick (used as "go" "no-go" guages. Works every time. Not sure if that'll work on your 235 but in any case you need to double check that you're not TOO TIGHT and grinding those gears -which is what it sounds like you are doing right now.
I had the same problem with mine but it is a 350 and automatic. Took awhile to figure it out till I actually saw the starter gear rotate alittle after it was started. The gear wasn't retracting enough and was rubbing on the edge of the flywheel. I squirted some dry lube around the gear and so far it's working, but it probably isn't a permanent fix.
Its a rebuilt, I am not sure if its aluminum or not. and there are 2 bolts that bolt it on. there is not adjustment. Even though shims may be the answer.
once you see the engagement pattern, it will tell you what needs adjusted. it can be shimmed, but not the way a dodge or 350 is done. different animals
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