bot0611
1/2 ton status
I have NEEEVEEERRR seen that brace either..
wrong flexplate??? wich one should a 350 need to have well its a built 383 actually.
CK5
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Tearing the starter off the block???
- Thread starter bot0611
- Start date
I have NEEEVEEERRR seen that brace either..
wrong flexplate??? wich one should a 350 need to have well its a built 383 actually.
str8axle55
1/2 ton status
I`ve seen the braces before. I think there is another issue going on, flexplate or wrong bolts or something, pics, more info?
sch2ofowler
Registered Member
This is very common for motors with higher compression. Tell your friend to wire up a switch to the ignition and a separate switch to turn over the starter. Start turning the motor over and then flip the switch to the ignition to throw fire to the motor. This is very common in race motors.
Or use an MSD start retard box.
str8axle55
1/2 ton status
I had an 11:1 ish 327 in my 55 never had an issue, and it had a half broken outer bolt hole in the block. It spun slow, so I switched to a gear reduction starter off a later year Vortec motor, and that spun it right over. I till think there is something funny going on though.
79rustyk10
3/4 ton status
We demand pics of said 55!
Ive never had a starter brace on anything either, Ive seen them advertised in the restoration parts books once or twice though.
Ive never had a starter brace on anything either, Ive seen them advertised in the restoration parts books once or twice though.
str8axle55
1/2 ton status
Engine is in my avatar, I`ll have to see if my trucks have them on still. They usually got tossed when the starter was replaced.
Well,all GM starters were SUPPOSED to have that brace (especially the diesels!)--but I have seen more missing than installed on 95% of the engines I looked at or worked on..people toss them,lose them,or maybe they never GOT installed at the factory,who knows..
I've seen more than a few NICE engines destroyed,because the hunk of block where the starter bolted on got cracked off when the starter got whacked by the diveshaft,or a obstacle in the road like a curb,etc..--I read in a Chiltons book the 73's had a recall ,the front shaft could knock the starter right off if you hit a deep enough pothole!..GM added another rubber bump stop so the spring wouldn't deflect as far to cure that..
I once got a nice running 350 for free,because of the starter "pad" on the block being broken off..I didn't tell the guy who was going to junk it,that I used it in a '71 K5 Blazer that had a 4 speed manual--the starter on it bolted to the cast iron bellhousing,not the engine!..
...
I've seen more than a few NICE engines destroyed,because the hunk of block where the starter bolted on got cracked off when the starter got whacked by the diveshaft,or a obstacle in the road like a curb,etc..--I read in a Chiltons book the 73's had a recall ,the front shaft could knock the starter right off if you hit a deep enough pothole!..GM added another rubber bump stop so the spring wouldn't deflect as far to cure that..
I once got a nice running 350 for free,because of the starter "pad" on the block being broken off..I didn't tell the guy who was going to junk it,that I used it in a '71 K5 Blazer that had a 4 speed manual--the starter on it bolted to the cast iron bellhousing,not the engine!..
...
KansasTwister
1/2 ton status
well just found out even the starter on my 83 was supposed to have one. dad looked at an 82 305 with the same starter as mine, and the starter brace is different than the earlier (mid 70s) truck braces. Its longer and thinner and bolts into a different location, so as far as i know everything 1955-1999 or whenever the standard 350 stopped they should have had a brace.
K5dreamer
1/2 ton status
my vote goes to the lack of a brace as well. I actually remember reading in an old copy of hot rod, or car craft or something, they tested a group of trucks off road, including a blazer. they commented on the fact that the starter came off and they noted the lack of a support brace.... and hitting a tree stump as the cause.
jamcar
Registered Member
hey dont mean to hijack the thread but i have done lots of searching on the site and have a similar problem. had my 6.2 snap a inside bolt and had to drill it out. easy out wouldnt work cause it was the tip of the bolt. now it has to be filled and redrilled. i think? can they fill the hole and redrill? in the truck? thanks in advance
