S52 with M20 single mass flywheel issues

[TheRealE30kidd]

OBD1 S52. M20 single mass fly, starter and clutch and G260 trans. Bolted it all together with new starter and flywheel shim (so it doesn't hit the oil pan) and it now makes a grinding noise when cranking over (by hand or starter.) Removed starter, no signs of wear, cranked the flywheel over by hand and no visable damage to either side of flywheel (and no grinding noise.) It's obviously something between the flywheel and starter. I've tried two starters now and it still does the same thing.

What the fuck could be happening? I really am at a complete loss for words...

[bimmer630]

I haven't heard of anyone shimming the fw. Why didnt you just machine the front down for clearance? Sounds like your fw ring gear isn't lined up with the starter gear

[36brua]

OBD1 S52. M20 single mass fly, starter and clutch and G260 trans. Bolted it all together with new starter and flywheel shim (so it doesn't hit the oil pan) and it now makes a grinding noise when cranking over (by hand or starter.) Removed starter, no signs of wear, cranked the flywheel over by hand and no visable damage to either side of flywheel (and no grinding noise.) It's obviously something between the flywheel and starter. I've tried two starters now and it still does the same thing.

What the fuck could be happening? I really am at a complete loss for words...

Are you referring to the sheet metal piece #5 ? or did you install thicker spacer between the crank /FW. if you installed a'spacer' you've probably moved the ring gear beyond the extended length of the starter pinion gear

[TheRealE30kidd]

We did not have #5 so thats not in. We used the spacer or shim between the crank and flywheel.

[e30rapidic]

We used the spacer or shim between the crank and flywheel.

that's not right, it goes on the outside....

[frankie591]

the plate is to spread the force of the bolt heads out over a larger area. your flywheel is misaligned so you'll probably have to remove the trans to fix it

[TheRealE30kidd]

Hmmm ok. then just have the flywheel shaved down on the motor side. I tried that first and this stupid azn flywheel shop said they couldn't do it. He said it would eat to much of his stone and they are designed to to have that amount of metal. Idk some stupid bullshit. Ill try to find a different shop.

[e30rapidic]

just take a grinder to the parts of the pan that the flywheel hits. Perfectly fine to do

[328ijunkie]

Take to a place with a brake lathe first if the guy is bitching about shaving down the back side.

I assume youre running M20 Starter?

[36brua]

Hmmm ok. then just have the flywheel shaved down on the motor side. I tried that first and this stupid azn flywheel shop said they couldn't do it. He said it would eat to much of his stone and they are designed to to have that amount of metal. Idk some stupid bullshit. Ill try to find a different shop.

What pres. plate are you going to use?

[TheRealE30kidd]

Took It to a machine shop and had them take a 1/8 of a inch off the back of the flywheel and bolted it back on and it still hitting. Looked around and read that It needs to be down to the ring gear. Cant work on it til monday the School shop is locked for the weekend! GAH!

[Jand3rson]

A few pics of mine for reference, if they will help:

[TheRealE30kidd]

Yeah mine has maybe twice that thickness left. Ill take it back to the machine shop on Monday and have them take it down to the ring gear. So I can hopefully hear the fucker start.