General Tech TR3 Starter

[tinman58]

I need some advice. Started to hear some grinding noise from the starter. So I removed the starter and found that the two allen head screws that hold the aluminum flange was loose. So a little lock time and back in business. But what do you think of the one tooth that looks bad. All the rest look fine.Should I reinstall or have the gear replaced?

 

[Geo Hahn]

I assume this is a hi-torque starter fitted to a TR3?

I am not familiar with how these things work - but is it possible that pinion gear is backwards? Seems like the bevel on the teeth should be on the leading edge.

 

[TR3driver]

I'd probably run it, just keep an eye (and ear) out for trouble. Since this is a pre-engaged design, there isn't as much stress as with the originals.

 

[tinman58]

Thank you Randall
The only reason I would want to change it, than to reinstall it, is because I have to remove the super charger to get it out.

 

[TR3driver]

Dunno if it would help in that case, but what I did long ago was to install a Helicoil in the hole for the top starter bolt. That lets me R&R that bolt without being able to get my hand down there; just using a long stack of locking extensions, and a swivel socket with a magnetic insert in it. I haven't tried doing it from underneath, but I'm guessing it would be possible too.

 

[tinman58]

Unbolting the unit isn’t the problem, other than removing the trans tunnel. In that case your idea with the heli coil is great. It is getting the starter physically out, headers are in the way for it to drop out from below.

 

[TR3driver]

Ok, can't help you there. Mine comes out past the stock exhaust.

 

[sp53]

I think GEO is on to something and my concern would bechewing up the ring gear.

 

[TRMark]

I solved the access problem this way.

 

[DavidApp]

Have to check that welded bolt solution out as my body is still off.

David

 

[sp53]

Hey Tinman there is guy in Boise that restores tr3s andsells parts. I do not have his number handy, but he is often on EBay and Craigslist.Just thought you might want to know. I met him a couple of times and he seemsfair.

 

[tinman58]

I have joined the local club here SWIBC, I sold a LOT OF PARTS to him for cheap. Buys and reseals and the extra cash goes in the Clubs treasury. I like the welded bolt, I will do that before I reinstall the trans cover. My biggest problem was getting the starter out of the engine bay. Headers blocked from bottom and the super charger from the top. That starter has about 20,000 miles on it, other than the two allen bolts that wiggled loose it should be fine.
I reinstalled the starter this morning and works perfect.....