Starter motor grinding.

[Nick_nl]

Hi guys,

Best wishes for the new year.

I have a question about my starter motor.
It al of a sudden makes really awful grinding noises.
So i took the starter off and found this.
https://www.sleijpen.net/foto/Bel_Air/SBC 355/Startmotor/20210101_153154.geschaald.jpg
https://www.sleijpen.net/foto/Bel_Air/SBC 355/Startmotor/20210101_153209.geschaald.jpg
https://www.sleijpen.net/foto/Bel_Air/SBC 355/Startmotor/20210101_153214.geschaald.jpg

It looks like the starter has been walking, both bolts were bent. The bent started just above the threads.
During the installation I did use shims to get the proper alignment.

How do i fix this issue?

Thanks,

Nick

[Troy]

Do you have the proper knurled bolts? Also are the bolts too long so they may bottom out before they are tight?

11669

[55 Rescue Dog]

Anymore I prefer the mini-starters, but in the case of the original Chevy starters, is that they also had the always missing front brace on them to keep them from moving around.

[Dave the Wave]

never knew there were certain bolts for these.

[Dave the Wave]

and why are these bolts knurled?

[BamaNomad]

and why are these bolts knurled?

Chevy spent the money doing it, so they must have a purpose.. :) Here is most likely answer...

"The bolts are knurled because the bolt diameter is slightly smaller than the bore of the holes in the starter. They are supposed to keep the starter from moving around and causing a misalignment."

[Nick_nl]

Thanks for the information.
Yes the bots i have used are knurled, but these are apparently to long since i had to use washers to make it work.
I found that GM GENUINE 12338064 should be the correct bolts for this starter.

This starter isn't a real mini stater, but its a lot smaller and stronger compared to the old heavy type.
From what i could find this type doesn't have a brace like the old type. There is a tiny stud, but that's for a heat shield.
This (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3467841) is the stater motor i did use. (ACDELCO 3371022)
Would the current one still be usable with the correct bolts? Or is the damage to the mounting flange too much?

[markm]

For Best results use correct Knurled bolts for your starter. Dorman sell them in aftermarket.