89 1500 starting problem

[z28chev]

when i go to turn the key thier is a horndous loud screeching noise. It does not do it every time but it is getting worse. Im thinking that it is the starter but dont know for sure. thanks in advance

-andy

[95Sierra2500]

Your starter gear is not meshing with the teeth on your flywheel/flexplate. Best to remove the starter and check it out, then check your flexplate/flywheel for missing teeth by turning it over by hand.

[z28chev]

I have been told that it is the flywheel. How much do these go for and how hard is it to fix. Ive heard it is alot of work. Any step by step guide? Thanks

-andy

[kheiney]

It definitely sounds like your starter flywheel are not aligned properly or worn out. I would check the starter first before I changed a flywheel. I have done both on my 84 Blazer and playing around with the starter is a whole lot easier then changing the flywheel.

 

You should take the dust cover off and check the teeth on the flywheel and look for missing or worn down teeth.

You can also check that the starter gears are matching up properly by engaging the solenoid ONLY and checking the clearance. I think it is an 1/8 inch drill bit between the top of the starter teeth and the bottom of the flywheel teeth. You can't actually fit it in there but it is a gauge.

To only engage the solenoid disconnect all the battery cables and then get a jumper wire and connect it from the positive battery cable to the solenoid post on the starter. That should make the solenoid engage WITHOUT making it spin.

 

You can try all kinds of shiming tricks too if you don't want to replace the flywheel.

If you do replace the flywheel I have some tricks that can save you a lot of time.

[kheiney]

I word of warning when jumping the solenoid.

Disconnect the battery when removing the positive battery cables from the starter.

If you don't they are live and will spark on any metal on the car.

Also attach the jumper wire to the starter when the battery is off as well.

Then reconnect the battery and make the jumper wire to positive battery cable connecttion when you're watching under the truck.

[kheiney]

One more correction

the 1/8 clearence measurement is not from teeth to teeth, that just doesn't make sense. I think it was from the starter shaft to the top of the flywheel teeth.

Anyway the teeth should mesh more than half way down each other.