Starter Grinds on Fidanza Flywheel

[mach4g63t]

As the title says, the starter violently grinds against the flywheel when attempting to start. It will start, but it's such a painful sound that I don't liek doing it.

My biggest problem is that this is my 2nd Flywheel to grind from Fidanza. I just swapped in my new Trans and when I did I put in the Fidanza ( brand new from xtremepsi, so I know it's right ). Before this I had an ACT that never made a squeek. I swapped in this new Fidanza because the ACT was overstepped. Prior to the ACT I had a used Fidanza that I put a new surfacing disc on and it grinded. I couldn't fix it and I pulled it out and sold it to someone on here who has had no problems.

This is leading me to believe that I'm doing something wrong. Why can I not get this flywheel to work properly? I've read threads that some people say the Fidanza Aluminums are 4mm thicker or pushed away from the crank or something retarded.


I'm not running a starter plate (never have, and don't plan on it). I've tried shimming it with washers, I've tried loosening it and tightening it back down at different angles and spots in the tolerance of the boltholes.

I'm really frustrated at this point and about ready to throw this damn flywheel in the trash and put in a new ACT again. However, I'm broke after buying my transmission and I can't afford to do so. I've read the threads here, on talk and the link forums. Anyone know what to do? The only guy who had my problem and solved it did so by taking everything out and putting it back in. He couldn't cite any specificity as to the cure. I'm not pulling everything out. I just got it all back in.

Is there a particular way shimming should be done in regards to a starter? Is there a minimum or maximum for shimming?

I need some advice. Anything. I will try it (within reason). This is a two year build that is being put on hold, yet again, by another Fidanza Flywheel. I just want to drive my car.....


Thanks in advance. As always, specifics of my vehicle are in my profile and up to date.

 

[twicks69]

I remember having this conversation with someone else on the board lately. My advice was what you don't want to hear. RUN THE STARTER PLATE.

 

[mach4g63t]

I remember having this conversation with someone else on the board lately. My advice was what you don't want to hear. RUN THE STARTER PLATE.

Fair enough, and that makes sense. However, a start plate is rather thin. Maybe a millimeter or two in thickness at most. Wouldn't I be able to offset that difference with shimming the starters with washers?

And just to clarify, when shimming a starter, the washers are placed between the starter and the transmission, resulting in the starter itself being 'shimmed' further away from the transmission (flywheel), correct? I tried one washer and it seemed to lessen the noise, but I'm afraid if I put too many more the starter won't engage the teeth at all. I'll try more when this Carolina sprinkle-storm ends.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

I've seen it happen before too. Not on a Fidanza though. Gotta have that starter plate in there. I've also seen it cause pressure plates to hit the inside of the bell housing on some cheaper clutches.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Not only does the starter plate shim the starter away from the trans a bit. It also locates the starter to the exact position it needs to be in and supports it while cranking to eliminate this problem.

 

[talondave]

Our cars were designed with a starter plate! Every thing is thrown off 3/16th" when not putting one on. Don't sound like much but could be your problem!

 

[mach4g63t]

Our cars were designed with a starter plate! Every thing is thrown off 3/16th" when not putting one on. Don't sound like much but could be your problem!

Fair enough. I learn things the hardway. Put a starter plate in that my buddy so conveniently had laying around and problem fixed.

Starter Plates = Your friend.

Thanks.

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Congratulations... I'm glad we could help!

 

[Rockbmx1]

I have this same problem with my Exedy twin disc, but I am using a starter plate. I haven't been able to cure it either. Any advice??