LT1 starters.

[Tsar]

I got a quick question, i didnt think it should belong in the tech section or anything so im just posting it here. What would cause a starter to just pretty much blows up into different pieces? (like that cap of it) the reason i ask is because in the past 6 or so months i've replaced 3 of them, seems a little bit much to me. And no it wasn't loose or anything. :???:

[Ian]

too far in the hole or not far enough. did you shim it correctly?

[coldkilla]

yeah you might not have the right shims. it will work and sound normal but the starter gears arent meshing up with the flywheel properly causing damage to the gears every time you engage it. a little bit at a time until they break apart. theres a lot of force going through those gears. id try different shim combinations, you can buy a pack of gm shims for cheap in the HELP section of the autoparts store. good luck.

[Tsar]

thanks dudes

[JL8Jeff]

Yeah, if the starter isn't lining up at the correct angle it will cause problems. But you might want to check the ring gear(if a 6 speed) or the flexplate(if automatic) to see if there are damaged teeth. If the teeth are damaged it could keep taking out starters. I had to get the ring gear replaced on one of my old SS396 Camaros. The engine usually stops in the same general area of rotation when you shut it off. So when you go to start it the same teeth on the ring gear or flexplate take the abuse. Once they get damage a little it only gets worse.