Starter a bit off...

[jmhkas]

So I just completed the infamous auto to 5sp swap...except....w/e I try to bolt up the starter, it doesn't fit??? The bellhousing is off a 94 gt along with everything I didn't replace including flywheel. I bolted it up using the top hole and when I go to start the car up, all you hear is the starter turning. It doesn't seem to be engaging the flywheel. The starter I would think would be stock because it looks old. Possibly someone stuck a fox body starter on the AODE ??? I'm clueless...give me some advice. Maybe it is just the starter not wanting to engage, but what explains it not wanting to bolt up??

 

[urban96]

thats odd... you sure its the right flywheel? my starter was same AODE-T5

i think theres 2 versions of our flywheel, 157 tooth and 163 or something like that dunno what one is stock

 

[jmhkas]

Yea, I got the one that was off of the 94 gt. I thought we used the 157 teeth one?? If I'm not mistaken it is the same size as my flexplate was from the AODE...I didn't compare much though. Also, what explains for it not wanting to line up on the bellhousing?? I had to partially fit it to sit down in the hole....

 

[urban96]

dunno, do you have the right block plate? are all the bolts fully tightend (dont over TQ them)

 

[jmhkas]

The block plate is correct. The starter holes won't match up with the holes on the bellhousing. It is a 1/2 in. off. It is the same starter I was using on my AODE.

 

[urban96]

dumb question, but are u sure your putting the starter in the right way? with the exposed gear facing the flywheel

 

[jmhkas]

haha...yup im sure. It doesn't hurt to ask though.

 

[trav_19]

sounds like the flywheel is a issue..? if your turning the key and you can hear the starter turning then its doing what its gotta do...can you take a picture of the two so we can compare ..exactly what is not lining up?

 

[jmhkas]

I had this issue when the AODE was in just after I blew the tranny....Do you think that it could of been a factor?? The starter seems to have some metal shavings in it...I was thinking that maybe the gear was turning but not pushing out??

 

[trav_19]

so the starter was on the auto and now its on the t5 and there is metal in the starter? was it on the starter before you tried to install it?

 

[jmhkas]

Yes it was in the starter w/e I tried to install it on the T5. What explains it not wanting to line up with the bellhousing holes??

 

[vp6799]

I just did the same swap a month ago and I used the same starter. The starter was a pain in the a$$ to install, but it goes in. I had an issue aligning the block plate and another aligning the bellhousing.

The 157 tooth flywheel is what is used in 94-95 manual tranny's. That's what I was told.

The starter might not be enganging all the wall. The gear might be getting jammed and it just spins in place instead of contacting the flywheel.

 

[urban96]

you could remove the starter and run power to it and see if its working, be very carefull tho

 

[jmhkas]

The same problem I had as with vp6799's situation. This morning while it was raining out....I grabbed the hammer and committed a big "no-no." I beat the starter in, and a little praying on a Sunday morning got me through . She works like a charm now. There seems to be a little more road noise than there use to be. The fun is worth it though.

 

[vp6799]

Glad to hear you got it in.