318 Starter Install

[markbob]

Hey everyone....

I have a 2 bbl 318 standard exhaust car....

am going to install the starter.....are there any "gotchas" with this?
I don't want to chip a tooth on the torque converter by not doing it correctly....

thanks,

Mark

 

[Dako]

Common mistake:
If your trans is an auto, the the trans line(s) bracket goes on AFTER the starter's in place. If you put it underneath then the starter WILL be misaligned and you will wear out some teeth.

Otherwise, nothing to it. Starter slips right in and should seat flush against the trans housing dust cover. If it doesn't then it's not aligned. As far as tooth chipping...the starter is not 'engaged' when being installed. When you hit the ignition, that small gear on the starter moves rearward on the shaft engaging the torque converter/ flywheel (depending on auto or manual).

If it's not already, the battery needs to be disconnected prior ANY starter work (removal or install). Otherwise, you have a high chance of doing some impromptu welding should the leads, or tools touching leads, make contact with any metal they shouldn't.

 

[joshb1983]

Common mistake:
If your trans is an auto, the the trans line(s) bracket goes on AFTER the starter's in place. If you put it underneath then the starter WILL be misaligned and you will wear out some teeth.

Otherwise, nothing to it. Starter slips right in and should seat flush against the trans housing dust cover. If it doesn't then it's not aligned. As far as tooth chipping...the starter is not 'engaged' when being installed. When you hit the ignition, that small gear on the starter moves rearward on the shaft engaging the torque converter/ flywheel (depending on auto or manual).

If it's not already, the battery needs to be disconnected prior ANY starter work (removal or install). Otherwise, you have a high chance of doing some impromptu welding should the leads, or tools touching leads, make contact with any metal they shouldn't.

wonder if that's whats wrong with mine...i haven't looked yet... every time i go to start it, after about 3-4 turns u can hear the starter catch when it disengages, either that or the sprocket misses the fly wheel..it sounds horrible

 

[mrsnicks]

I just dropped my rebuilt engine (318) and transmission (904) in my 71 charger and installed a new starter. The starter spins and spins but it's not engaging the ring gear on the torque converter. The 2 bolts are tight and the starter is flush.

What gives? I've read about nose cone supports in the bellhousing, but it shouldn't be that hard to get it in and line it up right?

Patrick