starter measurements

[spedigo]

want to be sure I get a correct starter. I’ve got a 1997 block with a new 168 tooth flex plate. Apparently my 1969 starter that came with my truck is not happy with that.

Seems like the throw on the Bendix and the length of the nose cone is just a bit too short. I need another 16th to 1/8 of an inch for the bearing on the end of the nose cone not to rub the flex plate when running and shimmed properly. currently, I’ve got the cap between the Bendix and the flex plate shim to about 0.028.

got to looking around on rock auto and noticed that most of the Delco starters give a measurement “ mounting flange to pinion end at rest“. most of these are either 19 mm or 20 mm.
honestly, I’m not exactly sure what this measurement is referring to. I measured my current starter in the distance from the mounting flange to the roller bearing on the end of the nose cone is 22 mm.


just hoping somebody can explain it to me because I’d like to understand how these starters have changed over the years if at all.

 

[Ricko1966]

want to be sure I get a correct starter. I’ve got a 1997 block with a new 168 tooth flex plate. Apparently my 1969 starter that came with my truck is not happy with that.

Seems like the throw on the Bendix and the length of the nose cone is just a bit too short. I need another 16th to 1/8 of an inch for the bearing on the end of the nose cone not to rub the flex plate when running and shimmed properly. currently, I’ve got the cap between the Bendix and the flex plate shim to about 0.028.

got to looking around on rock auto and noticed that most of the Delco starters give a measurement “ mounting flange to pinion end at rest“. most of these are either 19 mm or 20 mm.
honestly, I’m not exactly sure what this measurement is referring to. I measured my current starter in the distance from the mounting flange to the roller bearing on the end of the nose cone is 22 mm.


just hoping somebody can explain it to me because I’d like to understand how these starters have changed over the years if at all.

Get a starter for 96 up. They changed in that time frame.

 

[xm20k]

Get a starter for 96 up. They changed in that time frame.

What did they change? Just curious because I only know of 3 factory style SBC starters. The early starter with three bolts that bolt to the bell housing, Then the two block mounted starters. One with inline bolts for the 153 tooth flexplate/flywheel, and one with offset bolts for the 168 tooth flexplate/flywheel. The later 2 have standard and high torque versions.

Aftermarket is whole other deal of its own.

 

[Ricko1966]

What did they change? Just curious because I only know of 3 factory style SBC starters. The early starter with three bolts that bolt to the bell housing, Then the two block mounted starters. One with inline bolts for the 153 tooth flexplate/flywheel, and one with offset bolts for the 168 tooth flexplate/flywheel. The later 2 have standard and high torque versions.

Aftermarket is whole other deal of its own.

I believe it was when they went vortec,so 96 they went with a smaller housing starter,and gear reduction.

 

[goldpack]

when looking at #s and years there maybe half years, and differences in auto vs. manual for the teeth count or mounting holes.

I was looking at what DB makes sells new for 96-2000, they have applications fitments and other brand part #s if you scroll down.

Starter Cadillac Chevrolet Truck Suburban Tahoe Escalade 1996-2000

Shop for the Starter CADILLAC CHEVROLET TRUCK SUBURBAN TAHOE ESCALADE 96-2000 at DB Electrical. The best selection, low prices, fast shipping, and great customer service.

www.dbelectrical.com

I think they still make custom starters and alternators in the Tennessee office (or can at least confirm the off the shelf one is correct).

Contact DB Electrical - Aftermarket Auto Parts | DBE

Contact DB Electrical. Call or email for expert advice on aftermarket auto parts. DB Electrical can answer questions and offer advice on replacement parts.

www.dbelectrical.com

they sell them through amazon, too, here is that same part #

Amazon.com: DB Electrical 410-12181 12V Starter Compatible with/Replacement for Cadillac Escalade 1999-2000 323-1064, 323-1065, 336-1923, 336-1923A, 337-1018, SDR0052, SR8551N, SR8551X, 10455065, Clockwise : Automotive

Buy DB Electrical 410-12181 12V Starter Compatible with/Replacement for Cadillac Escalade 1999-2000 323-1064, 323-1065, 336-1923, 336-1923A, 337-1018, SDR0052, SR8551N, SR8551X, 10455065, Clockwise: Starters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

amzn.to

but been around since 1981. (they sell new things,
so no cores for half baked fixes like the parts store chains...= bench tested 100% with a 49% failure rate, and my cores are my scrap,....

I was just looking at rockauto: 2 different Delco ones for 1997 model year.
I am happy I see rockauto selling some "new" though. and not just keeping at reman crap.
ACDELCO 3371018 Gold Info
w/ Direct Drive Starter
vs.
ACDELCO 3371022 Gold Info
Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction Starter



I also looked at the maniac motors site in Dallas,......seems like they only like GM newer than 2000 with LS engines. (sometimes worth the comparison,...just to see what one of the other alternator / starter builders is offering.... )....

 

[Ricko1966]

Just occurred to me,make sure the flexplate is not flipped

 

[xm20k]

Just occurred to me,make sure the flexplate is not flipped

Good shout, that will defiantly set the ring gear farther away from the starter and still bolt up. Will also space the converter further into the front pump as well, which could potentially cause issues.

 

[spedigo]

Just occurred to me,make sure the flexplate is not flipped

thanks. it isn’t.

 

[xm20k]

I believe it was when they went vortec,so 96 they went with a smaller housing starter,and gear reduction.

I'm running an 02 roller block and a 168 tooth flexplate with this Power Master starter and I haven't noticed anything odd so dimensionally the ends must be the same just the body changed.

Powermaster 3510 Powermaster OEM-Style High-Torque Replacement Starters | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Powermaster OEM-Style High-Torque Replacement Starters with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Starters at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[xm20k]

Only thing I can think of is the flexplate or starter is incorrect.

These are the correct mounting styles for each tooth count.

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And verify that this face of the flexplate (notice the bulges at the mounting points) is facing away from the engine

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