Flexplate problem

[Zuffen]

The teeth on my flexplate show quite severe wear.

This is causing the starter to not disengage once the engine starts.

Replacing the flexplate is a lot more involved in my car than an SC or LS as most of the front end has to be removed to get the motor and trans out.

I've tried increased spring pressure in the starter pinion to help withdraw the pinion, but without success.

Anyone got any alternatives to pulling the motor?

I can't clean up the teeth as they are inaccessible. So far I've tried two starters and swapped them at least a dozen times. Fortunately it only takes 10 minutes to swap a starter on my car.

I will be pulling the motor in a month or so but don't want to do it now as I need it running for some exhaust work to be carried out.

Suggestions?

 

[Peewee]

Tried greasing the teeth?

 

[krayn]

Rod can the bolt holes in the starter be elongated slightly to move the starter a few mm away from the ringgear. Sounds a bit rough but might get you thru. Cheers kris

 

[Zuffen]

Here's what I tried.

Greased the teeth. No help. Thanks for the suggestion.

Spaced the starter away from the flex. This should have less tooth contact. No help.

I can drop the starter down from the ring gear and this hasn't helped.

I dismantled the pinion and stetched the internal spring hoping more "pull back" may help. It didn't.

I think I'm looking at pulling the engine. Bummer.

Lucky there's a large beer fridge in the garage!

 

[Lextreme II]

Hey Rod,

Few months ago when my stater died on me. When my starter was out, I noticed the same thing. My flexplate teeth were damaged with additional teeth like marks. I plan to change the flexplate went I change my rear main seal.

 

[Peewee]

Lucky there's a large beer fridge in the garage!

Lucky its Friday night too!!