Ok so I don't know if its because I got the wrong sized bolts (didnt seem like it) or the wrong kind (but pretty sure they are), but for some reason the ministarter on my 350 came loose twice after trying to start the car. The first time it made an awful sounding noise and as soon as it did I let off the ignition. Kinda made me worried.

So earlier i tighten the starter in a bit and I go to start it and again after a couple revolutions, CCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHKKKKKKKKKK. That loud awful noise.

Now... the car started fine before when I initially put in the starter. Both times recently though, I go to check whats the deal and the starter was LOOSE (ie movable).

My main concern is my flexplate. Will it be fine? Or am I screwed?

 

its probably ok it takes a hell of a lot to mess up a flexplate and as long as you didn't keep hammering at the key it should be fine. You can look at it by removing the torque converter cover at the bottom of the bell housing and shine a flashlight inside. but it should be fine as to the starter coming out don't know what to tell you there if you are just putting it in climbing out and trying to start it with these issues. I would say wrong bolts or the holes are screwed in the bell housing but aren't they the same bolts you took out to begine with?

 

Are you not tightening the bolts?

 

I am, and thats whats weirding me out lol.

I'm going to try a shim ... and some loctite. I just don't understand why it kept coming loose.

 

You are using "starter" bolts?

 

Yeah, they are the stock ones that came off a different 350. They have the diamond shaped pattern at the beginning of the threading.

However I have an AC Delco style mini starter and noticed just a lil bit ago that its a hair or 2 shorter where the bolt holes are located, than the stock starter. So I'm guessing the bolts are just also a bit too long (I tightened the bolts down but it didn't seem too too tight)

A shim would solve that problem I'd guess, or some washers. I feel kinda stupid now for posting this topic lol

 

If you are using the stock starter bolts you may have to use some washers to get them to tighten the starter in place.