The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Flywheel on backwards?

(1964 C-10 with a 283 and the previous owner put a 3 speed auto in it. I got the truck in the spring.)
I have been trying to put on a starter for some time and finally I got a real mechanic out to look at it and he said that all he could figure out was that the flywheel was on backwards. All of the new starters that we tried didn't engage far enough on to the flywheel. One guy also mentioned the flexplate. I am no mechanic other than simple things so if anybody wants to shed light on this situation feel free to.

Thanks

I have seen it done before,,things worked but not right & it ate starters. Brian

1Dollar,

There was a similar post in the 'Engine' forum last week. This is my take on the situation.

If the flywheel is on correctly...everything is where it should be. If the flywheel is on backwards, it is too close to the starter snout, and jambs when engaged.

I read it to be 'correct' or 'too close', but not too far away.

If you go to the 'Engine and Driveline' forum, and do a search using 'flywheel on backwards', you will find a post that reads "flywheel position". There is a link to some pictures of a SBC flexplate installed on the engine.

The flexplate has dimples that stick out and are flat mounting pads for the converter to bolt through. Take a look.

Stuart

I think that is what mine has because the old starter had a broken tooth and stopped engaging properly while mahing that terrible grinding noise.

Thanks for the quick reply

For one reason or another, the torque converter may not be completely seated into the end of the crankshaft and may be "pulling" the flex plate away from the engine a bit. Could try loosening the torque converter bolts to see if there's any tension there,
Scott