I have a 1971 Maverick Grabber with a 302 and a C4 auto trans that I’m having difficulty with. The starter acts as if it is not fully engaging with the flex plate and slipping. I have a Durablast #DL3124 in it at the moment. I was told to see if I could find a starter with a longer bendix nose cone. The Durablast has a 2 ¼” cone. I looked into see if Durablast has a longer cone, but no. I then checked into BBB starts, but still could not find a starter with a longer cone. Has anyone experienced this before, and do you have any suggestions?
If nothing has changed you don't suddenly need a longer/different starter.... If the air gap on the contact under the actuator cover isn't adjusted properly, the starter will run before it's fully engaged... To test remove starter and actuator cover, then manually extend the starter drive(push down with thumb) and watch the contact, should not open till the drive is fully extended... Another issue is worn teeth on the flexplate which will be caused by the starter not fully engaging(now we're back to the contact)... These days most are converting to the PMGR type starters that I've never seen have a engagement issue(though no doubt possible), and draw at least 1/3 less current...
could be...loose/dirty ground/positive cable...weak battery. cross it at the solenoid or use a bump button and see if that makes a difference.
