BBC starter problems

[Mike Graham]

427 bbc with a stock starter makes horrible grinding noises.
Here is what I have done.
Shims all different positions.
checked the engagement with a paper clip
2 different starters
1 new flexplate.
It has the knurled bolts and the rear brace.
Had someone else try their hand at it
The starters have the bolts directly across from each other.
Nothing changes the noise.
Any suggestions?

[Jeff Stout]

Bench test? Quiet spinning? Sufficient voltage. Large enough cable? Can you reach solenoid and try starting by jumping with screwdriver.

[Bill Bogues]

168 tooth or 153 tooth flywheel. 153 has starter bolts straight across 168 tooth flywheel has staggered bolt starter pattern. Most stock big blocks had 168 tooth flywheel. hope this helps.

[Mike Graham]

Originally Posted by Bill Bogues

168 tooth or 153 tooth flywheel. 153 has starter bolts straight across 168 tooth flywheel has staggered bolt starter pattern. Most stock big blocks had 168 tooth flywheel. hope this helps.

This starter has the bolts straight across. The block has three holes,but only the 2 straight across are taped. If I had a 153 tooth starter and a 168 tooth flexplate would the starter work?

[Jeff Stout]

Originally Posted by Mike Graham

This starter has the bolts straight across. The block has three holes,but only the 2 straight across are taped. If I had a 153 tooth starter and a 168 tooth flexplate would the starter work?

No. The nose on the starter is in a different location. But you stated you used the paperclip for spacing then it tells me they are a match.

[Terry Cain]

Have somewhat of same problem, (sorta). Been through 3 flex plates in 2 seasons. Just wears teeth out. We've shimmed, checked, rechecked and come to conclusion that cheap flex plates and material coming from Chun wo ho. . BBC also, 168T.

[Tom Goldman]

Do you have a aftermarket crankshaft ?
Some aftermarket cranks have a thicker crank flange which moves the flexplate closer to the starter drive which can prevent the starter drive from spinning out and engaging properly.
Most aftermarket starters come with a pair of shims which move the drive away from the flexplate.

[Jim Kaekel]

Something else I would check is the run-out of the flexplate using a dial indicator.

[prostockpete1]

if a lot of run out i,ve seen guys just give a good wack with big hammer to realign .. thrust bearing will handle it

[Rich Biebel]

Stock GM starters were often a horror show to make work without the problems you have.

Been there a million times in my mechanic days

I tried everything including using a rat tail file in the starter mounting holes to move starter closer or farther away from the block.

Tried different starters with various noses....rebuilds usually. There were some different noses, some even were cast iron noses and manual trans might be different than an auto flexplate

There is no easy answer.

Even the aftermarket gear reduction starters can do it but shimming usually fixes it.