how does a starter work sbc

[fuzz]

I guess I know how a starter is supposed to work but ...I installed a mini starter and cranked the motor, did not start the motor just testing the starter. The gear on the starter didn't retract. I thought something is wrong. I put a stock starter on and get the same thing. Is this normal, does the engine starting cause the starter gear to retract? I never noticed this before. Do I have a problem or am I just getting old and forgot stuff?

 

[Yankee Transplant]

dont know but when the engine cranks it will spit the gear back out .. if your battery is kinda week it may not kick back in either [S no hard feelings but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that has this luck

 

[sneakysnake]

Normally the plunger in the solenoid is what engages and disengages the teeth.As the motor starts it will thrust it back too.

 

[sneakysnake]

If the motor didn't start there may be tension on the gear that is more than the return spring can pull it back.

 

[fuzz]

Thanks guys. You confirmed my hopes. Guess I'll leave it like it is till I can start the engine and see if it kicks the start gear back in.

 

[dmw56]

It should go back by itself. If not there might not be enough clearance between the starter gear and the ring gear. You will need to shim the starter. I use a staightened paper clip for a clearance gauge.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/sum-829100a.pdf

 

[440roadrunner]

It should go back by itself. If not there might not be enough clearance between the starter gear and the ring gear. You will need to shim the starter. I use a staightened paper clip for a clearance gauge.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/sum-829100a.pdf

This. Either starter is sticking / defective, or more likely, teeth have no clearance

 

[Old Iron]

Here's a couple pics on clearance

 

[26Troadster]

i have tried the paper clip trick but there is a easier way. some starters have a 1/8" rod about 2 1/2" to 3" long in the box with them. the rod is to check the fit between the teeth on the flex pl.ate and the shaft of the starter with the bendix disengaged. i should be a snug slip fit. from the pics it looks like you need shims, and yes it should disengage on it's own.

 

[BillM]

Did you try either starter on the bench? Give them each a quick bench test with some booster cables and you should get your answer real quick.