[gtokid1968]

I have 2 different mini starters and nether of them will engage far enough as the starter instruction's say it should.
So my question is, are the aftermarket flex plates any thicker than stock?

By thicker I mean overall thickness which should ( i believe)help with my problem.
Engine is all factory parts and on my run stand.
Trying to get everything lined out before it goes in the car.
Thanks !

[i82much]

been quite a few years but i seem to recall having trouble with a powermaster 9610 with a hayes flywheel. wound up using 9510 and it fit just fine. i can’t say why?

[tooski]

I have two RobbMc starters. One drives a PRW SFI flexplate. The other drives a stock flexplate. No problems with either. Shims can be added/ removed to adjust the depth of the drive gear. I would imagine an aftermarket flexplate, sfi or stock appearing, should closely mimic the dimensions of an oem one.

[gtokid1968]

1 of mine is a TCI the other is a GRP
Unfortunately shims wont help only make it worse.

[i82much]

if you can return either, maybe try the 9510. powermaster had great customer service when i was dealing with them.

[CatalinaMike]

Are you talking the distance from the pinion face to the flexplate face? Supposed to be .040-,100 or something like that? If so, I have the same issue but the pinion on the mini is same distance from the flex as the stock starter. You can test with a battery, pos + to "S" terminal ONLY and touch ground to block. Will engage the pinion but not spin

[Formulajones]

I think what you are describing is the same thing I ran into with both the cheap aftermarket mini and the RobbMC mini starter. We also used the stock Flexplate as well as an SFI approved flexplate with no difference.

You can shim all you want and adjust the clearance for the teeth, but the issue is that the gear doesn't extend far enough to completely engage the entire thickness of the flexplate teeth. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about that. Dad's Pontiac has been like that for decades with a variety of mini starters on it, as well as changing blocks from OEM to aftermarket MR1.

[hojs69]

Not the exact same setup but hopefully this helps.

I had a similar mating issue with a motor / trans swap with an AMC V8 and a TorqueCommand 727 (AMC case of TF 727) in a Jeep. Luckily I was using an IMI starter. Sent them pictures and they sent me an "extended reach" starter pinion gear. Swapped it out, obstacle solved.

Not sure if your starter could utilize such a set up. Does it have a "toothless nose" on the front of the pinion gear? See two pictures below for reference.

[HWYSTR455]

Sure you aren't putting in on upside down?



.

[goa484]

Check to see if it needs to get closer to the block vertically. I had an engagement issue with my RAM flywheel and IMI starter. Machined .100 off the top part of the aluminum that mates with the block. Checked the mating then with marking compund and was pretty good. No issues now for 3yrs

[Formulajones]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

I think what you are describing is the same thing I ran into with both the cheap aftermarket mini and the RobbMC mini starter. We also used the stock Flexplate as well as an SFI approved flexplate with no difference.

You can shim all you want and adjust the clearance for the teeth, but the issue is that the gear doesn't extend far enough to completely engage the entire thickness of the flexplate teeth. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about that. Dad's Pontiac has been like that for decades with a variety of mini starters on it, as well as changing blocks from OEM to aftermarket MR1.

Just to add to this, if it gives you any piece of mind, This issue isn't unusual at all. I can't tell you how many Chevrolets and Fords I've seen do the very same thing with all stock parts.
There have been a few instances with the 4 speed stuff on Chevrolets where I've had more than one that was only engaging about 70% of the depth of the flywheel teeth, and had been that way for decades. The bright side was that on a couple of those flywheels, while in for resurfacing, since the teeth had a little bit of wear, I'd have the shop flip the ring gear to the fresh side. Good for another 100k miles

[gtokid1968]

The extended length Bendix is what I need!
Both starters I have I bought used, (like new)
Thanks for the info! Keep the info coming please!
Hopefully I figure it out by the holiday so I can get it running!

[hojs69]

Not sure if you were replying to my post but......

The pinion gear is the same length (see prior pic), it's just has the teeth extended all the way to the end (no bare nose section). If your present starters are like my iniital design, just get a replacement full length pinion gear. Starter shops, online search, etc....