Starter Shims Or Starter Backplate

C

Chrispy62

Member

Aug 9, 2023

63

14

18

Brooklyn, NY

Sep 8, 2024

#1

• Sep 8, 2024

• #1

Can anyone tell me if the 1992 302 had either starter shims or a starter backplate?
I just bought the car and noticed that the starter pinion gear takes a second or two to release from the flywheel.
Since then I've replaced the starter and the flywheel but I'm still experiencing the same issue
It's a 5 speed manual all original bone stock 5.0

 

Bullitt347

I have been doing it wrong this whole time

15 Year Member

Mar 23, 2007

3,949

2,904

194

Middle of Maine

Sep 8, 2024

#2

• Sep 8, 2024

• #2

There is a plate that gets sandwiched between the block and the bell housing.
The starter uses no shims.
Either the starter is getting worn out or there may be an issue with the ring gear on the flywheel.
I have had vehicles that had no plate between the engine and trans and some with and the starter works ok either way.
My current Mustang has no plate between the block and trans.
I am running a newer (94/95) mini starter and not the large original style typically used on a late 80's Foxbody.

 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

5 Year Member

Aug 25, 2016

27,858

10,533

203

polk county florida

Sep 8, 2024

#3

• Sep 8, 2024

• #3

1992 llRattle On Start Up

I don't know what else to do. New starter, new flywheel, new OEM Starter Solenoid and I still get a few seconds of a rattling noise when I start the engine after I release the key. Any ideas? Thanks! Chris pp

stangnet.com

Already talk'n 'bout this.

 

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

SN Certified Technician

Mar 2, 2015

6,945

5,816

213

Sep 10, 2024

#4

• Sep 10, 2024

• #4

Just FYI. If its the newer style starter it could be wired wrong. The big wire goes to the same side as the battery positive on the solenoid. The smaller wire goes to the other side of the solenoid.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,206

17,891

224

Massachusetts

Sep 12, 2024

#5

• Sep 12, 2024

• #5

There is a starter index plate. You can easily tell if it's installed as it can be seen in front of the bellhousing blocking the flywheel

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fms-m-7007-b#:~:text=4.5%20out%20of%205%20stars%20(%2023%20)%20Part%20Number:

 

Reactions: General karthief

nicholase

I lubed and pushed, until it was all the way in

May 21, 2024

620

1,097

103

New York

Sep 12, 2024

#6

• Sep 12, 2024

• #6

^ Right. It centers the starter. The end of the starter has a machined lip that slides snug into the hole of the plate.




It also supports the starter every time you start the car. Otherwise all the torque generated when starting is transfered to the two starter bolts in an aluminum belhousing. The block plate (or index plate) spreads the load of starting torque. Over time the hole in the plate can oblong and cause issues.