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Starter gear drive not disengaging from the flywheel

Tiny
XANE1970
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET CAMARO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,698 MILES
Old starter locked up, replaced it with new one, new starter will sometimes engage and turn engine over, sometimes just makes a hard click and maybe turn engine over a 1/4 turn. Drive gear does not disengage from flywheel from what I can see. Battery in car is also brand new video attached. Sorry in advance for the language. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
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Monday, May 25th, 2020 AT 9:52 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
MOTOR MASTER
  • MECHANIC
  • 279 POSTS
Hello my name is Dave.

My first thought is shims, on your car the starter (in most cases) require shims to get the proper clearance between the starter drive gear and the flywheel. If this is not performed properly the starter will bind and even if it does work it will fail prematurely. I have attached a diagram of how to check to make sure it is correct. I use a allen key wrench to measure it. I hope this helps you find your problem. Please keep us up to date on your progress and thank you for using 2CarPros!
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

What brand starter motor did you use?

There was no video attached.

Did you shim it out correctly?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Did you check the flywheel for any damage to the teeth?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-flywheel-flexplate-works

Roy
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 5:06 AM
Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Starter is from DB Electrical. Looked like it was meshing properly with out shims. Flex plate is in great shape. Will try to see if video attaches this time.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
I apologize for the language in the video, was already tired and car has been a nightmare since it was pushed into the garage. I'm thinking the new starter has a bad solenoid? But want a second opinion on what may be going on as I need to get this darn car done and the wait for the starter to be swapped out will take over a week at the least (draw back of saving money by ordering it online).
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 6:47 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thank you.

The Bendix is stuck against the flywheel because it does not have the correct clearance.

I would put a thin shim on the starter between the starter and the block and see if it releases.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

If it does not, the starter itself is the issue.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 6:48 AM
Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Going to try some shims and see how that goes. Thanks! Will let you know.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Shimmed it up, but no go. All it does is click now, think the solenoid is shot. :/
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:30 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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I agree. I would replace the starter motor.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:49 AM

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