redneck solution to my starter problem

[wolf83]

like i said in my last post regarding my starter problem, i suspected the holes on the starter that are used to mount it to the bell housing are too large, giving the starter a little bit of slack, even when fully tightened.

so here is my redneck solution. i attached some zip ties to fill the gap in the holes. it starts up every time now. next chance i get, i will go to town and look for a sleeve of some sort to put in these holes. at least now i know what was wrong.

see pics.

W.

 

[American Thunder]

The ties havent just filled in the holes, they've also provided a shim that positions the starter further from the transmission. In effect, shortening the snout of the starter. If it works better now than it did before, I would double check to make sure it's the correct starter for the truck.

 

[wolf83]

The ties havent just filled in the holes, they've also provided a shim that positions the starter further from the transmission. In effect, shortening the snout of the starter. If it works better now than it did before, I would double check to make sure it's the correct starter for the truck.

i thought of that too... but before i put the zip ties on, i took the starter to autozone and compared mine to the recommended model they had in stock. the 2 were exactly identical.

keep in mind that the zip ties only add 1/8 inch or less. of course, that doesn't mean its ok -- which is why this is only a temporary solution.

i sent my wife to lowes for some grade 5, 3/8 in width, 1 1/2 in length today. when i get them installed, i will see if the right size bolt solves the problem. if not, then i'll have to find some sleeves for the bolts -- which, i think will be hard to find.

 

[rednck7736]

Do you have the dust shield between the starter and trans.The bolt holes on my starter is bigger than the bolt on my bronco and F-150.But , the hole in the dust shield holds the starter in place and does not let it move.The starter fits snugly in place when I stick into the dust shield before I put the bolts in.

 

[wolf83]

Do you have the dust shield between the starter and trans.The bolt holes on my starter is bigger than the bolt on my bronco and F-150.But , the hole in the dust shield holds the starter in place and does not let it move.The starter fits snugly in place when I stick into the dust shield before I put the bolts in.

i have some sort of dust shield -- it can be seen in one of the pics in my other thread. ... but it does not hold my starter in place snugly at all. i have to hold the starter in place with my hand until i get the first bolt started.

 

[rednck7736]

I have to hold mine in with one hand as well but once it is in.It is a snug fit.It want woble anything like that.

 

[wolf83]

sorry it took me so long to update...

my redneck solution only lasted a few starts, then the torque on the starter finally compressed the nylon zip ties until they were no longer holding the starter in place.

i tried more sophisticated - yet still redneck - ways (like using a sleeve to take up the gap in the bolt hole), but nothing worked any better. life moved on and i ran out of money, so i never fixed it.

after much thought i have come to the conclusion that the flexplate/flywheel was just too small in diameter by about an eighth of an inch - and i certainly wasn't going to replace that -- not in the carport of my driveway!

i finally sold that donor truck after taking off it what i could. all's well that ends well.