Thread: 454 starter questions

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I have just aquired a 75 4x4 with a new rebuilt 454 just a little over stock, and I cant keep a starter on it I bought two from advanced and they broke started the truck 5 times no problem came out the next morn. and it broke the end off the starter as soon as I hit the key, put another one on and hit the key broke again. What do I need to do to fix?
THanks Eric

Chevy starters often need shims between the block and the head of the starter. If you bought a new or rebuilt starter, there should have been shims in the package. Sounds like yours is binding on the flywheel. When you install the starter, manually push out the starter gear and see if there is clearance. If there is no play at all, the starter is going to break.

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Originally posted by 1970Nova406
I have just aquired a 75 4x4 with a new rebuilt 454 just a little over stock, and I cant keep a starter on it I bought two from advanced and they broke started the truck 5 times no problem came out the next morn. and it broke the end off the starter as soon as I hit the key, put another one on and hit the key broke again. What do I need to do to fix?
THanks Eric

i have had this happen many times with big block over the years with very hi cr . check you timing and make sure you have a big battery . you need to turn it fast . some times the starter needs to go up not down you need to check the air gap on the the fly wheel and starter drive. on my car i ran a14.8 cr 548 big block with the stock gm starter .i had a switch to turn on the ignition when the engine was cranking i would turn the ignition on. the iron nose will fix this to i use this type of starter this was used on the big trucks and are hard to find.i have used this type on all my big blocks and make sure you have the start bolts that have knurling on them that runs up in the block and the front strap this helps the starter from waking around

So if I put a high torque starter that should solve it? timing is good flywheel tight motor is not locked up bolts where tight battery was plenty good, i just dont get why a regular starter wont crank it

did you read what i posted ???

Or what I posted?

Originally posted by Henry Rifle
Or what I posted?

yes you to. i dont want to get shot with that henry rifle

Yes I read both of them, the starter didnt come with any shims and the starter I took off didnt have any. I dont know how to get the gear to come out I cant even get my finger in there to slide it out to see. The motor is not all built up so I cant see going to extreme measures. I have checked everything it just seems like to me advanced starters are just junk.
THanks Eric

the best way to do this is to take off the solenoid and push it in by hand to check the air gap like i said you may have to file on it to get it to fit up and get the air gap good take your time and do it right or you will be doing it all over

You can get shims at the auto parts store for a buck or two. The fact that the original or replacement starters didn't have shims doesn't mean squat. If it jams and break, you probably need shims. I ran a stock parts store starter on my BB chevy for years, and never had a problem.

Using shims isn't "extreme measures." It's simply doing things right - but it's up to you. You got two solid suggestions from two guys who have been there / done that. If you don't want answers, why ask?

No i didnt mean to be rude, I just dont know a whole lot about miner things or trouble shooting. I really appreciate all the help im going to the parts store now to get another starter and some shims.
Thanks Again Eric

shims solved it
Thanks to all