About Mark Bisig Expertise I have been working on Chevrolets since 1979 and do all minor and major repair of these vehicles. I work at a large Chevrolet dealer. I can answer questions on engines, transmissions, drive-line, A/C, PCM, drivability. I will do my best to answer and get back to you fast.
Experience 26 years working at a car dealer
Education/Credentials Denver Automotive and diesel college
Question Hi,
I have a '79 dually with a 454. Mileage unknown. A month after I got it, the starter wouldn't, so I replaced it. A week later, it wouldn't again. I had a rebuilder shop with 40yr Chev experience rebuild it and tweak it. It lasted two months. I only drive it 1-2x a week. Then I had a trusted mechanic replace it and it lasted until I drove it home. He replaced it again along with the flywheel and it lasted a month. The teeth on the flywheel were all chewed off 50% from one side,(not top to bottom).Then he replaced the flywheel again and machined the housing down so the teeth meshed more fully without binding. He overground two housings before getting one to work. It lasted 6 months.
Is there some trick to correcting this or do I need to junk the motor?
Answer Hi Mel, Sorry I have never heard of this before. I wonder if the motor has been replaced with a different year or something. There are block numbers on the front right of the block near the cylinder head. You could take these to the dealer to see the year and what truck it belongs in.
Sorry I can't help more
Mark
Here is some info from another guy who had the same problem. Still looks like they are giving you the wrong starter. A Chevy dealer can still help you.
This is not a question, rather an answer to this gentleman's Q about the 454 that eats starters. I have had the exact same problem happen to me a few years ago. I had a '72 SS 454 Chevelle that did the same thing. I went thru about six starters in maybe two months. The problem was that the auto parts stores were giving me the wrong starter. For some reason, most parts books call for a starter that is for a straight six, not the 454. I dont remember what the final part was for, but it had a longer throw out than the starter that the books called for. After I finally found that starter, I never had a problem with it again. Maybe you could pass this along. Thanks
