The end of my starter to break off?

99PONT

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
146,000 MILES

What would cause the flange at the end of my starter to break off? I found the flange of my starter lying below the flywheel so I replace the starter. After I replaced it, the car would not start and then I heard a loud noise and found that the flange on the end of the new started had broken off. Any idea whats going on?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

This broken nose cone of the starter can happen due to few different factors.

It could be because of incorrect flywheel clearance. If the flywheel is too close to the starter.
It can also happen if you happened to turn the key to start when the engine is already running.
Also if there is too much resistance for the engine to turn over.

Check your flywheel and inspect the clearance between the starter and the flywheel. If there is any type of shim that the starter requires, it can trigger that issue as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.

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