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I cannot get my starter to disengage I tried to shim it starting with 1 shim and all the way up to 5 shims and still the bendix will not disengage I tried it with no shims and still the same thing I tried to pry it over to either side and see if maybe its not aligned right and still nothing bought a new started and its doing the same thing. its on a 396 bbc and the starter bolt pattern is offset I wonder if I get a starter with a straight bolt pattern will that work the block seems to have the holes for either starter any help will be appreciated
thanks LES[/align]

 

is the motor free will it move at all?

 

yes the motor turns over fine the bendix just does not pop back

 

I think that the staggered is for a manual and the straight across is for an automatic. Also, check to make sure that there is a collar on the snap-ring where the bendix slams into at the end of the nose cone. If that is missing or damaged, the drive will hang up.

 

Are you using a high torque starter? Some are made without a strong enough return spring and unless the engine starts the drive does not always return. Also, check your starter for tooth count. A Hitachi should have 9 teeth but a Delco should have 11.

 

the old starter was a delco and the new one is a high torque I will check the tooth count in the morning .I hope your right about the stagard because I have a automatic so maybe thats my problem. I have not started the motor yet with the starter because I just reinstalled the motor and trans because I pulled it out to paint the car Im going to try to start it tomorrow
THANKS AGAIN
LES

 

For starters (no pun intended) the straight bolt pattern starter is to be used with the 153 tooth flywheel, and the staggered pattern starter is for the 168 tooth (larger diameter) flywheel.A straight bolt starter won't work on your engine because you have the 168 tooth flywheel. I'm wondering ifmaybe your starter isn't wired correctly, or possibly something is goofy with your ignition switch/circuitry? Does the starter motor keep running after the engine starts? As soon as the engine starts, thebendix gear should throw itself back into the starter housing.

 

im going to try to get the engine started today I only have to do a few more things to get it started so hopefully the starter will snap back once the engine is running

 

i have virtually the same problem. I have a 396 that has a god aweful sound when the bendix engages the flywheel. it turns the engine over fine, but makes racket. I have had the starter looked at, bendix replaced and still makes noise although not as bad. I have shimmed until im blue in the face. I just moved on to another problem. a leaking trans pan. The flywheel does appear to be getting damaged from the bendix, so until i can get a gear reduction starter, i will put up with noise. i know my post isnt any help, but just take comfort that your not alone.

oh yeah i also put a for solenoid on to reduce drag when hot, that works great.