[stealthgoat]

weekend update - starter is actually an older IMI-908 HiTorque starter, not standard smaller IMI-108 version. Purchased from Ace Brewer @ Pacific Performance Racing in about 2005, may be overkill for this street car

In my pictures you can the starter pinion gear teeth are also marked up, and the starter / flywheel don't have full engagement. I could maybe clean this up with some file work, but I reached out to IMI to see if they sell a replacement gear kit - haven't heard back yet.

I had switched to Centerforce 30lb steel flywheel when 428 was built, as seemed more 'streetable' than previous aluminum flywheel. So starter was originally set up with flywheel while on the engine stand, and it's much harder to try to measure the clearance / backlash in car while flat on my back - it's tight up there. Also flywheel is neutral balanced to engine, so if I end up replacing flywheel then it looks like McLeod or Hays are best neutral options available?

thanks!

[ID67goat]

Originally Posted by stealthgoat

weekend update - starter is actually an older IMI-908 HiTorque starter, not standard smaller IMI-108 version. Purchased from Ace Brewer @ Pacific Performance Racing in about 2005, may be overkill for this street car

In my pictures you can the starter pinion gear teeth are also marked up, and the starter / flywheel don't have full engagement. I could maybe clean this up with some file work, but I reached out to IMI to see if they sell a replacement gear kit - haven't heard back yet.

I had switched to Centerforce 30lb steel flywheel when 428 was built, as seemed more 'streetable' than previous aluminum flywheel. So starter was originally set up with flywheel while on the engine stand, and it's much harder to try to measure the clearance / backlash in car while flat on my back - it's tight up there. Also flywheel is neutral balanced to engine, so if I end up replacing flywheel then it looks like McLeod or Hays are best neutral options available?

thanks!

Had this same exact issue with a Powermaster starter. I ended up replacing the ring gear (although my flywheel is a Hayes) and then going with a RobbMC starter.

Other than the pain of having to pull the transmission etc, replacing the ring gear wasn't too big of a deal. Heated up old ring gear until it expands enough to be removed from the flywheel. Then heat up the new one and drop it over the flywheel and make sure it is fully seated. It would be much cheaper, and impact your balancing less if you go this route.

The RobbMC starter pinion extends further offering better engagement with the flywheel, they also offer a pinion support that helps support the load put on the pinion during cranking. I did rebuild the Powermaster and still have it as a spare...I imagine that IMI should have the parts to fix yours also.

For re-shimming...just check it while you are re-assembling everything...install the flywheel, and then mount the starter to setup the shims before installing the bellhousing etc. Much easier to see that way.