The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop starter problems ???

I have a 1955 235 in my 1950 3100, when i crank her up the starter or flywheel make a grinding sound. I have changed the starter several times and it continues to do this, the flywheel is also in good condition. When I go the the fan and move it a little she starts right up. Can it be that the flywheel is a 6v? if it is I have been told that I can put a 6v starter and put a converter or voltage reducer.

Any suggestions, I hate to have to replace the flywheel. Thanks, Merry Christmas everyone.

A 6-volt starter works fine on 12 volts without
a reducer. Check your flywheel real close.
An engine has a tendency to stop in the same
places. The teeth may be ground down in those
areas. Someone else will need to answer about
the differences in flywheels.

mine did the same sort of thing, it was because the arm on the starter that moves the starter gear forward would not move the gear forward enough before the power switch was triggered.

235 engines always stop in one of three positions, so you would need to look in all areas of the flywheel to make sure the teeth are good all the way around. If it cranks over at all you have the right starter and flywheel tooth combination. 6 and 12 volt teeth are different enough that they wouldn't engage.

The flywheel is in good condition all the way around, was checked when engine was rebuilt. The starter wsa replaced with the one the truck came with when i got it, but they matched it up, so I have no idea weather its the right one for the truck. It starts real good some times, but I get the grinding, spinning starter noise about 90% of the time.

How do you get the shaft to insert all the way, it might not be catching the flywheel.

FRUSTRATED. The 235 runs beautifuly except for this starter problem. Everytime I go out and turn the flywheel, my wife reminds me of all the money i've spent and Im still having problems, to put it nicely. urrr

Jorge, I had the same problem with my 54 235. The fix was to rebuild the starter. I did this myself. The rebuild kit was purchased from chev of the 40's. I also replaced the drive gear and bushing. I honestly think that that when the starters that are rebuilt by local rebuilders they don't replace the gears all the time. When I replaced the gear and bushing the spinning and not engageing seased. I went through all this trouble due to the same problem you are having now. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Im gonna go ahead and order a new starter from chevy duty, atleast i'll know that I have a starter that goes with the car. Who knows what starter I have. It least I know what the problem is. Thanks to you all.