Starter issues....

[sam196370]

So I searched around but couldn't find anything on this problem...

New Arco starter on my '79 SNS with 351W, sometimes it just spins without engaging the flywheel and I'm hoping i didn't chop teeth off FW, starter also sometimes stays engaged but not as much recently.

Just to confirm, does this sound like a faulty solenoid?

Thanks!

[MikeyOrange88]

Seems like alot of teeth would have to be missing from the flywheel.
If it's 'new' is it a warranty issue? I would remove and have it bench tested by an autoparts store as a first step.

[Table Rocker]

You might need to shim the starter to move it closer to the ring gear. Did the starter come with shimming instructions?

[sam196370]

Starter didn't come with shimming instructions but could be the issue - it usually catches after turning the key several times and sometimes catches first time.....

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Sounds like the starter drive (sometimes improperly referred to as "bendix") is not sliding on the shaft to engage the flywheel. I would remove the starter and do a bench test to see if that is the case. You certainly want to remove the starter and inspect before doing any damage if there is an alignment issue.

[drschemel]

Maybe just dirt/grease on the starter shaft inhibiting the movement of the starter gear so when the starter spins, it does not engage. If your starter is spinning, the solenoid is good. If it is a shim issue, you shoud be getting grinding noisewhen it is almost but not quite close enough to enagage.