Recommendations for Mini Starter for Oldsmobile 455

Discussion in 'High Tech for Old Iron' started by 12lives, Feb 23, 2020.

  1. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  3. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks Larry - he has the powermaster in now and it is grinding. He wants to replace it as he is not sure it is the correct one. He does not have the PM part number for the one he has. I was wondering if any of the cheap later model (LS style) would fit but I believe the Olds uses a 9 tooth pinion. That may be the deal breaker.
    He's been a professional mechanic for 30 years and knows how to shim and such so I don't think that is the problem.
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Bill, see if the Powermaster starter he has uses a mounting block like this,

    RobbMcStarter3.jpg
    Or whether it looks like a GM mini starter,
    Ministarter2.jpg

    The ones with a mounting block can be shimmed for pinion clearance by inserting shims in between the mounting block and starter to move the pinion away from the flex plate. You can't do that with a stock GM mini starter, you can only shim for gear backlash by shimming between the starter and engine block. So if his starter looks like my first picture, ask him if he checked the pinion to flex plate clearance, that may be why it is grinding.
     
  5. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Thanks - will do!
     
  6. lemmy-67

    lemmy-67 Platinum Level Contributor

    +1 on the Powermaster...got mine from Summit racing & have had zero issues for 10 years onward. Kinda sounds cool with a Toyota-ish cranking before the 430 kicks in.
     

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