starter issue, please help!! video inside

[68firebird]

please help! just installed a powermaster 9004 starter, and I just can't seem to get this horrible grinding noise to go away, sounds like its gonna break the teeth off. Plus it looks as though the gear isn't going back into the starter right away, is this normal? I have like 5 shims in the damn thing from the top, and I have it shimmed for the depth too. If I don't shim for the depth the gear goes just beyond the flexplate, which I guess isn't supposed to happen. honestly, its kinda tough to see how well the mesh is putting it in like this. what am I doing wrong!?!?!!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErdXr0ofOCI



this is what it sounds like in car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae-ufd7mlFU

[WidowMaker68]

Check the solenoid. That would explain the return problem. $10 part

[WidowMaker68]

Also make sure it's not hitting the casing. Happened to me. Shims fell off one side and caused it to hit the block casing

[68firebird]

The starter is brand new! Just picked it up Thursday. I hope it's not a bad solenoid.

[sam 74]

i had an issue with my power master starter on my Olds motor, the gear would hit the flexplate so i had to shim it out away from the motor and down a bit to get the correct gear mesh, this is the last time i'll ever use a power master starter, its also the only one i've ever had to shim.

[rohrt]

Its normal for the solenoid to not fully return if for example the car is cranked over but doesn't start. I have a RobbMc Starter and mine did that and asked him about it. It should not however make bad noises turning over or stay stuck to the flex plate after its running.

You should be able to take a fat paper clip to use as a depth gauge and fit that between the starter gear and the flex plate teeth. If not then more shims.