<VV> Starter/clutch problem

[Mike Kost]

Bud,

Did you replace the flywheel also? If you still have the original 
riveted flywheel it likely needs to be replaced. the rivets can be just 
loose enough to let the starter push the teeth away from the starter if 
you hold the clutch pedal in while starting. Putting it in neutral and 
engaging the clutch can help but risks breaking the starter. Replace the 
flywheel with a bolted one from the vendors. There are two kinds of 
original flywheels, those with loose rivets and those which will have 
loose rivets.

Mike Kost

BUDPON at cs.com wrote:
> Really need some advice regarding problem with my starter/clutch.  My 
> mechanic worked for GM many years ago and had much experience with Corvairs.  He's 
> stumped.
>
> Ordered clutch kit from Clark's.  Rebuilt pressure plate with new ring gear.  
> Assembly went fine but starter teeth do not engage ring gear teeth properly.  
> Hard to describe the noise but it's like teeth not meshing but grinding on 
> each other.  Starter was working perfectly before.  Tried replacement (good) 
> starter with same results.  Mechanic believes the ring gear might not have been 
> welded on perfectly.  Talked with tech at Clark's and they say they've never 
> run into it before.
>
> Anyone out there ever run into this before?  Any ideas or educated guesses?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Bud