Replacing the starter motor on my 1992 S10 Blazer 4x4 with the 4.3 engine. Finally got it out - what a terrible job. My problem is that the original starter had a dense foam seal around the nose, (gear end). It is about 1/4" thick and covers the mounting flange. I have never seen this on a starter before. Mine is torn and I cannot find anyone who sells this item. I don't know what the purpose of it is. Can I put the new starter in without this seal? What is it's the purpose? Anyone know about this.

 

Throw it away and install the new starter.

 

Yep. Don't worry about it!

 

Thanks robertr 728. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to get someone elses opinion just to be sure. What would have been the purpose of it anyway. Because it was on a 4x4 maybe to seal the starter when driving through mud, fording streams, and all that other fun stuff.

 

I believe like you said its to either stop noise or dirt. Either way its pretty much useless and if you were able to find one ill bet its only at a dealer.