Thread:

BBC Flex plate question

Originally Posted by Frank

Question. (stupid one)

Can you use a basic flex plate on a BBC with a berkeley drive? Mine worked last summer, but had intermitent starter "catch" errors. (I moved starter around trying to find a sweet spot but never could, is it flexing?)

I use a bellhousing with a top mount starter. Everything is new, H-bar/flexplate/bellhousing/starter (all from CP or hardin)

if this is a reliable setup, can someone tell me "top" mount starter for dummies alignment? or should I switch to a flywheel?
thanks

Frank

Hi Frank never hesitate to call post or PM, we're here to help and answer whatever questions you have , several things , (1) is it safe to asume your engine and set up always had a flex plate (no a heavy flywheel)? (2) when you purchased and installed the new B'hsg was it identical to the previous? (3) when you installed the new top mount starter were you able to check the depth from the starter mounting face on the mount to the face of the ring gear?
Try to give me some ideas here and we'll work with you to try to get you fixed up! Flex plates are commonly used in marine applications however they were designed for use in Auto trans applications and with out a torque conveter they are not nearly as ridgid as a heavy flywheel , we typically try to steer you to a performance SFI type plate ,but a good quality OEM plate should suffice in a low HP applications Regarding alignment on Chevy with this style the only "adjustment" is depth (accomplished ny shims) there isn't any other I'll wait for your reply and PM you some contact info Tom

Originally Posted by Frank

no previous setup. I built boat from scratch/re-cut holes for jet, paint, interior, engine, wiring, tanks. low HP, probably 350-400ish (alum heads/roller cam/dual quad/12 qt pan/bassett headers, A2 impellor) good compression, runs solid, handles good for a tunnel. certainly one of the prettier boats on the lake, no other jets or v-drives in the couple fresh water lakes in the NJ area. I shaved the jet so it puts on quite the water show - hope I don't blow off the nozzle. fairly fast, but nothing extrordinary - just sexy as hell

definitely room to move starter around with slop in mounting holes. guess I'll have to get inspection mirror and look around again.

when it turns, sounds great. when it doesn't catch, sounds like its not engaging at all - loud/obnoxious screech. never sounds tight/straining. 'cuase it works 90 percent of the time, I've ignored it. ...but since its winter

It sounds like classic "starter gear clash" (pinion hits the plate prior to actual engagement) , if it were a bottom mount shimming would be simple I'm concerned that there would be "slop" in any of the mounting and honestly shouldn't be so, Maybe give me a call when time permits we can talk more Tom