Powermaster Starter required Milling to Install

Replaced an OEM SBC starter motor with a Powermaster starter. The installation reauires adjustment to the gear spacing which usually requires shimming when the spacing is too tight. In this case the gap was too large. Milling of the starter mounting block was required to obtain the proper tooth spacing.
Powermaster tech support was great and extremely responsive.
The SBC block is 3970010 1969-1980.

[@josephbrandt3359]

Great job. I have the same exact starter. I took .040" and now it is PERFECT. Thanks for your insight. It helped me.

[@Airman..]

Good job on the installation

[@raydavis9261]

Milled mine too now works perfectly

[@prancstaman]

Should have got a Tuff Stuff starter. The work right out of the box

[@bowtie0069]

I have an engine that has spit starters out like they had a bad taste. 3 different lightweight permanent magnet type starters snapped like twigs on this block. After changing a beat-up flexplate, I bolted in a new Powermaster 3510 stock style heavy duty unit. The first few days it worked well, then crunch, munch, crack...teeth laying on the ground! After repairing the damage, I scribed a line on the mounting surface of the starter and ground about .080" off with a angle grinder and flap disc. No more problems! No more ugly noises! It wasn't my own idea-I saw it here on KZbin.

[@Oldsmobile_Eric]

Hi Ed I’m in the exact same boat. I have .080” gap with no shims installed. I have a guy who offered to mill my block at his work. I’m hoping the same .200” will work for me as well. I looked up your starter and it’s for a 168 tooth ring gear like mine. I would assume I need to take the same amount off my 9509 starter block but don’t really have any way of knowing. My thinking is if the gear mesh gap starts roughly the same, and ring gear is the same size, I would need to move the pinion the same amount as the pinion is moving straight up against the same diameter ring gear. Guess I’ll find out if I’m right. Thank you so much for the specifics it helped me greatly.

[@raydavis9261]

What about the bolts that now have washers on them. Did you do anything at all or leave them alone

[@jonhsmith2706]

Great video I have to do the same thing I have a electric sander will 60 and 80 grit be ok?

[@edshandymantips4862]

Depending on how much you need to mill I would use a very aggressive grit - at least 60. It is a big surface to mill. Try to mill evenly, measuring often. Is your electric sander a belt sander? Not sure an orbital sander will cut enough. BTW my starter has been working flawlessly. Good luck!

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Great video, these starters aren't that cheap, you shouldn't have to mill that piece to get a good fit... I'm kinda surprised they still haven't addressed that issue, just sayin. BTW how's the starter holding up?

[@edshandymantips4862]

Starter goes work great, have not even thought about it since installation.

[@r.u.nuckinfuts7359]

Power master and Power Fist….are off shore brands. If you review these starters here on KZbin…..you’ll see that these mini starters are notorious for chewing up starter drives and ring gear.These starters have no front support and you will get starter deflection.Stick with the OEM…..will certainly outlast any mini starter.