Good morning,
When you replace the starters, do you use the shims? The shims are there to adjust the distance from the Bendix gear to the flywheel. If that distance is not correct, then that is the result as the gears wear at both the starter and the flywheel.
At this point, it sounds like the teeth at the flywheel are worn. Check them for any that are worn like the teeth are only half way across or shorter than others.
That will require replacement of the flywheel which sounds like this is where you are heading.
Below is a TSB that was sent out in 1989.
Roy
REISSUE
Number: 88-305-6D
Section: 6D
Date: JAN, 1989
Subject: STARTER GRINDS/CLASHES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CRANK
Model and Year:1985-88 PASSENGER CARS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND G/M VANS WITH 4.3L, 5. OL OR 5.7L ENGINE
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin 88-305-6D, dated July, 1988, is being reissued to provide new flexplate part numbers. All copies of the original bulletin should be discarded.
Some vehicles equipped with 4.3L, 5. OL or 5.7L engines and automatic transmission may experience a condition where the starter and flexplate occasionally do not mesh properly when attempting to start the vehicle. This results in a grinding or clashing sound similar to the noise which would occur if someone were to mistakenly attempt to start a vehicle while the engine was already running. This condition may be addressed by the installation of a new starter drive assembly, P/N 10456422 which features a stiffer jump spring to promote engagement.
When replacing the starter drive assembly for this condition, all the teeth on the ring gear should be inspected for damage. If significant damage is observed on three or more consecutive teeth, the flexplate assembly should also be replaced with the appropriate flexplate assembly from the table below to avoid further incidence of this condition.
APPLICATION SERVICE FLEXPLATE
Caprice, Camaro, 10128412
Monte Carlo with
4.3L (Z)
5. OL (E, F, G, H)
5.7L (B Only)
APPLICATION
SERVICE FLEXPLATE
Caprice with 5.7L (6) 10128414
C, K, G, R, V, M, P with
4.3L (Z)
5. OL (H)
5.7L (M, K)
Use applicable Labor Operations and Times.
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Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 AT 5:11 AM
