having issues figuring out the sound of a new starter I put in. it looks like the top of the spindle on the starter is rubbing against the flywheel. the old strter was worn down by nearly an 1/8 inch and the new starter makes a horrible sound as if it is not disengaginging . took it off and it is starting to wear in the same way

 

trying to post an image of what is happening looks like I have to open a photobucket again

 

 

it could be as simple as loose tranny bolts.

 

yeah replaced the starter as it had broken stuff in it but still have a sound coming from that area. My father in law seems to believe it might be the flex plate (86 automatic)

 

Which is easier to get out the tranny/transfer or the engine?

 

I just dropped the tranny/case in mine... its a PIA unless you have plenty of clearence and a tranny jack and a good hard surface to work on... Don't do it in your yard on a sheet of plywood haha....

I'd pull the motor out before i tried that again.

 

I had that problem with a replacement starter and bought a shim kit from Autozone to fix it. I used the thinnest shims first and that problem went away.

 

if the shims DrCreosote suggested do not work and you decide to drop the tranny or pull the motor, i would totally go with the transmission. up to you though

 

I think this is a case of a loose flex plate and poor quality of China made starter parts.

 

well the flex plate is not just loos it is broke. I finally found the crack and will be dropping the tranny today. Not real thrilled but I know I have to get it done. The first replacement starter had the bendex sticking out to far so I got a different one and it actually fits but now that I found the crack in the flex plate it is what it is.

 

Ok so I have the tranny out and 5 of the 6 bolts out. Last bolt is being a pita. Quick question. Why is the new flexplate not have uniform bolt holes? The flywheel for the man is basoc 6 holes all even but the pattern for my atm is not uniform.