350 5sp swap almost complete however when I turn the key for the starter I can hear it spinning like there is no load on it and the engine is not cranking at all. As ive read my new starter is probably not adjusted correctly and I dont think putting in shims to move the gears farther apart is going to help. Any ideas or advice would be appreciated.

 

If the engine doesn't turn over but the starter spins, that indicates the starter isn't even touching the flywheel.

What parts did you use putting it back together?

 

I used the same bolts that held the old automatic starter in place. A friend told me that since my voltage is only 11ish that that may be the culprit. Battery is now charging for the night and hopefully itll fire up tomorrow.

 

The bolts that hold the automatic starter are much longer than the manual ones IIRC. Are you sure the starter is seated againsed the block all the way?

Are you using the right starter for the right flywheel?

Is the pinion gear "kicking out"?

 

If starter is to close to block.. When the gear comes out to meet the Side of the flywheel and not hitting the teeth. This can give you the Spinning starter sound and no cranking of the engine. Starter has to be pretty loose to it not to catch the flywheel teeth. Unless you have wrong starter. Check part number to make sure you have right one. As far as I know only one type starter though for the 305. Went to 3 auto parts sites and gave only one number.

Shims are easy to install and pretty cheap. Only have to take out one bolt and loosen the other. Shims are sloted on one side to slip it in place without removing the starter.

11 out of 12 volts starter should still work. If didnt have enough power you should get the clunk of it conecting with the teeth then no whine of the gear. Is possible to have a bad starter also. Gear could spin but not get pushed out to meet the flywheel.

 

Thats exactly what happened i took it apart and when i gave it power thats what happened. owell Ill take it back, get another one, test in in the parking lot and continue from there.

 

after more screwing around with the starter it turns out that I put the cable from the battery to the starter on the wrong post of the starter solenoid. starter was fine and cranks great. If only the motor would start now. Thanks for everyone that contributed though.