Starter/Flexplate Issue?

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

When starting, the engine skips in an even, non-erratic manner. Does my starter need to be rebuilt, are there teeth missing on the flexplate, or was a new starter/Flexplate installed improperly? Could this be something totally different? I know the starter should have a consistent, constant sound when it's turning over. Starter speed is good, and it does start the engine quickly.

 

[HotRodPC]

#1, make sure both bolts are tight and the starter isn't jumping up and down on loose bolts. #2, check for missing or chewed up flexplate teeth.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

#1, make sure both bolts are tight and the starter isn't jumping up and down on loose bolts. #2, check for missing or chewed up flexplate teeth.

If the starter's tight, can I just remove the cover and turn it by hand, or do I need to get a flathead screwdriver or what?

 

[Trevor8186]

Pull off the flex plate cover, check the visible teeth, then turn the key as if you were starting it but only hold it for a second. Enough for the flex plate to rotate. Repeat until you find the broken teeth, or turn it up front on the pulley if you don't feel comfortable chirping the starter like that.

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[HotRodPC]

If the starter's tight, can I just remove the cover and turn it by hand, or do I need to get a flathead screwdriver or what?

Not sure what you're talking about turning. Maybe Trevor answered your question.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

He did. I was talking about spinning it to look at the teeth.

 

[HotRodPC]

Ok, so you're talking about spinning the flexplate for inspection. While at it, and you the cover is off, you might see if you can inspect the teeth on the starter too and make sure the bendix is being fully engaged. So you'll need someone to bump the ignition while you're watching it.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Ok, so you're talking about spinning the flexplate for inspection. While at it, and you the cover is off, you might see if you can inspect the teeth on the starter too and make sure the bendix is being fully engaged. So you'll need someone to bump the ignition while you're watching it.

I'll give it a look. I feel like the flexplate is the prime suspect because the skip is decently spaced out instead of a faster tick. The pinion turns 17 times per 1 flexplate rotation so I feel like the teeth should be okay. As far as the engagement action goes, that makes sense. I hope it's starter related, but I won't know until I check. Thanks.