1997 GMC Savana 5.7 Ltr

[DiabloStuts]

Hi guys.. this is my first time here..

Has anyone replaced a starter on a GMC Savana? When i bought the van the fly wheel was missing 3-4 teeth.. i ended up replacing the flywheel and the starter. My first starter was a refurb from mexico (big mistake) second starter was from a junk yard off a 4.7 ltr engine van they said it was the same starter.. which worked for a few months.. then it started grinding and a zimming sound ..

so now i'm on a brand new starter from Pepboys called ProStart. i installed it; and its making a huge grinding noise.

ughz.. any ideas?

[Molson02536]

Originally Posted by DiabloStuts

Hi guys.. this is my first time here..

Has anyone replaced a starter on a GMC Savana? When i bought the van the fly wheel was missing 3-4 teeth.. i ended up replacing the flywheel and the starter. My first starter was a refurb from mexico (big mistake) second starter was from a junk yard off a 4.7 ltr engine van they said it was the same starter.. which worked for a few months.. then it started grinding and a zimming sound ..

so now i'm on a brand new starter from Pepboys called ProStart. i installed it; and its making a huge grinding noise.

ughz.. any ideas?

When you removed the first starter, did it have shims on it??? The starters that your installing may need shims to ensure the starter is matted to the Flywheel properly. Also note that you need to torque the strater to the proper spects.

Place the starter in the correct location, using any shims from the original starter, and attach to the engine with the starter mounting bolts, which should torque to 75 inch pounds (8.5 Nm).

[DiabloStuts]

no it didn't have shims on it. i just took the cover off the fly wheel and put the starter on again.. how much play should it have.. shouldn't the gears on the starter touch the flywheel? it looks like its about 2-3mm apart

[Molson02536]

Originally Posted by DiabloStuts

no it didn't have shims on it. i just took the cover off the fly wheel and put the starter on again.. how much play should it have.. shouldn't the gears on the starter touch the flywheel? it looks like its about 2-3mm apart

You can disconnect the wire leads to the starter so the starter will not work and jump the solenoid to activate the starter gear and see if it mates with the flywheel properly. The starter gears should not be touching the flywheel untill the solenoid activates and pushed the starter gear on to the flywheel. Once the strater gears is on the flywheel, it's ideal to have it centered and lined up so the flywheel and starter are squared up.