1986 Pinnacle Establishment starter problems

[SimplySara]

I bought a 86 pinnacle establishment 23ft I believe in Nov 2016 and I am on my 5th starter. The first 4 were from O'REILLY, this last one I got through Napa auto parts. The last O'REILLY starter cone end literally cracked like an egg shell (took pics). After last starter went in I wrapped with heat shield material and wrap exhust pipe nearest it a couple of feet. I am in triple didgits heat and unfortunately having to drive it daily now. Other than alternator going out she runs real good.

[RLS7201]

The cracked cone is the clue. As previously stated, the starter is binding.

Richard

[MrWizard]

chevy starters usually come with shims, and a little narrow rod that is actuly a gap guage for measuring starter placement,

cracked cone, sounds like it was installed with out shims to correctly space the starter from the "bell housing", this puts stress on the starter when the starter gear engages the ring gear and is forced sideways

this can also damage the 'flex plate' that holds the ring gear

i had one chevy 454 with a cracked and repaired bell housing that was not 'true'
everything was under stress, 3 starters and 1 flex plate were replaced, before the problem was found

this info does not apply if you have a dodge 440

[femailyetti]

If its a Chevy motor, try adding a shim between the starter and the bell housing.

[1492]

[ScottG]

Welcome!