Repetitive starter issue?

[nkotselas]

I’ve gone through 2 high torque starters (both through pelican, not sure if same brand) over the course of maybe 2.5 years.


Issue is the same each time. It just sounds like the starter is running crazy fast and I figure that’s because it is no longer gripping anything and is just spinning on its own. I’ve attached a pic of the starter I just pulled off the car.

Trying to determine the cause of such an issue. Is it a known issue with a particular brand stater? Is it an installation issue? Is it an internal issue on the car causing it? Maybe I’m just ordering a non fully compatible starter?

The top nut (the hard to reach one) I don’t think was torqued fully so maybe that can be part of the problem?

I’ll be installing a new starter this weekend but I wanted to see if anyone has any ideas so I don’t have to keep revisiting this every so often.

Thanks I’m advance!

[nkotselas]

[88911coupe]

Can you confirm the starter ring gear condition? When I rebuilt my engine the ring gear had three worn spots and I'd get a grinding sound on occasion. It also was chewing up the teeth on the old starter and the one I'd put in before the engine rebuild. If they are worn the testh don't mess and they grind horribly.

[Showdown]

Jeff from Home Built by Jeff had what sounds like a similar issue with his starter, worth a watch:

https://youtu.be/EQ-8wAUYR4g

[stownsen914]

High torque starters are known to eat ring gears. As suggested, check for a section of your ring gear to be missing a few teeth.

One brand of the aftermarket starters used to come with a shim to put between the starter and the trans to properly align the plunge depth of the starter pinion with the ring gear. Might be worth checking.

[nkotselas]

hmmm thanks guys.

I went ahead and bought a new starter (different brand this time). I won't be able to get under the car today but tomorrow I can take a look with the new starter in hand. I'll report back.

[pampadori]

the ring gear is a fun one if it needs replaced. Engine out so you'll get to tend to other issues while its out. Could spiral into a topend if you play your cards right! (i'm not wishing this on you, just preparing you for it is all)

[Tea Tray]

There looks like something is/was loose, very loose.
There is a significant burr raised where there should be a well defined machined shoulder.
Compare the damaged area to an area 180 degrees away. In addition, there is a big burr @ the bolt hole.