Hey All,

Quick question, I'm having a problem with my flexplate hitting the starter gear. The flexplate is a jegs, and the starter is a mini starter, I believe it's a Japanese model, not sure though.

Anyway, it's a new engine and there is no movement of the crank, tried moving by pressing/pulling the balancer. I've had a thrust bearing go before and this does not seem to be the same as that.

The starter gear seems to fully retract after starting. Please don't cringe at this, but I pulled the starter and ground about 1/16 of the end of the gear more than once. I really don't want to keep doing this. could/should I shim the starter back away from the flexplate. This dosent seem to be a part i can fab as it is pretty intricate. I guess I could pull the flexplate and replace with a TCI heavy duty or something else. This prob is getting annoying, I appreciate any advice. No scolding for grinding the starter gear, a buddy has already taken care of that for you. :) Thanks - Rob

Most mini starters include a shim to space the starter body out forward from the flexplate. It's a shim with a round hole and ears that goes between the mounting block and the body.

I've had to do this a couple of times depending on the vehicle.

For example:

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/pwm-9426_w.jpg

Don - Thanks for the response. Are you refering to the piece in the middle/left of the photo you posted. I suppose I need a part specific to my brand starter or are they universal?

BTW your cars are very very nice. The attention to detail is amazing. Saw some pics of a car I believe is yours. It was a red 69' with a 427. If this is the right car, the engine compartment is stunning. Thanks again - Rob

Rob, yeah, they are specific to each brand.

The "Hitachi" style mini starters are the most common. Many brands use them, and they are sold under lots of different names. I probably have one laying around the shop (if I can find it).

Can you post a pic of yours? Summit racing may sell just the hardware kit by itself.

The red 69 with the 427 is something I'm still working on, thanks for the kind words.

Hitachi - Thats the name that wouldn't come to mind - Thanks Don, I'll check jegs and summit for the kit. - Rob