Tomorrow I'm removing the flywheel for replacement on my 75 coupe. It seems the starter has eaten the teeth off of flywheel. Starter spins but doesn't turn car over, unless I rock it in gear then it works. So I bought a new flywheel to start the fun removal. I was also told to take it (flywheel) and get balanced prior to putting on engine. is that correct to do ? I don't remember any shims being on starter before. Unless when the garage removed motor at rebuild and didn't replace any. I've been running it without shims for over 2 years till now the problems started. I took starter to get tested at Auto Zone and it checked aok. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, ACE

 Balancing the flywheel? Whats the point? If it is a 350

No need to balance the flywheel. 350s are "internal" balance engines. Only the 454 big block, and I think(?) the 400 small block were "external" balance.
I would hold off on the shims, until you get it all re-installed, and see how it starts. It sounds like you have a few toofies missing on the flyhweel, which is not an indication of a starter clearance problem. Sometimes, if you try to start the car while it is already running, it can break some toofers off the ring-gear. There are other things that can contribute to it, but that is the most common. I'd say just replace, and see what happens. You can add shims later, if needed.

  Ok, thanks for the reply's. My motor is actually a 383 stroker with around 400 hp. it is balanced and blueprinted also. I got the flywheel out and will replace the teeth ring. I'm going to try the torch method to remove old teeth and replace with new set. A couple of guys from the parts store have done this and it's not too bad so they say. I had a heck of a time with the left side bellhousing bolts what a pain in the a--2nd one up above dowl pin was the worst. Well thanks again and catch you later. Keep on CRUZN75 !

 

ACE

Otay....that makes a difference!! A 383 might need a balanced flywheel, depending on how the rotating assy was balanced to start with.
Replacing the ring gear is probably the best solution. I would recommend you take it to a regular machine shop, tho, and let them do it. The ring gear could be damaged if not heated/cooled properly.

  A 383 puts this topic back in prespective  I agree with Adam. I wouldn't go crazy with a torch. I would put thring gear in an oven. Then freeze or chill the flywheel in the fridge. Then the parts should go together nicely. Just prepair a nice flat surface to assemble the two.   

A 383 stroker is made with a 400 crank shaft.  So a flywheel for a 400 can be used.  These are already external balanced for the 400 crank.  It's a lot less work than trying to change the ring.

If You end up Replacing the Complete Flywheel You should be able to Look at it and tell if it has been Balanced. There are a couple of Different ways to build a 383 and  depending on what Crank they Used it may or may not be Internaly Balanced. My 400 that I Built is Internaly Balanced and therefore uses a Neutral Flywheel. If its got a Cast in Lobe or a Whole Lot of Material Drilled out of one Side would indicate External Balancing. Sounds like Your on the Right Track replacing only the Gear. Richard....

  Thanks for all the help gang  getting up at 8am to take flywheel for ring replacement. My one buddy told me of a shop that does tons of them this way. So I'll let you know how I make out. Bummed me out I missed a beautiful day in the 70's and sunny  catch you later time for some R&R.

 

ACE