Starter to small
 

1983 K-5, VIN comes back as a V8 305 (rebuilt ?), automatic transmission.

The replacement starter came from Checker, the Autolite series. I've tried both the 305 and the 350, thinking that maybe someone put a 350 into the truck. At this point, I couldn't tell you for sure about the type of engine, besides it's a V8.

Anyway, the bolt pattern from the old starter were directly across from each other, one bolt being smaller than the other. I went and got the new starter from Checker (for both the 305 and 350). The new bolt pattern is diagonal now, and I needed new bolts.

Each starter was about 1/2 away from the flywheel, which produced the infamous "whirling" sound. It's not that the bendix is too far back from engaging it, it's just too far away from the side of flywheel. If that makes sense?

Checking for parts, I see that there are different size flywheels that "could" be put in, could it be that the flywheel is too small? Could there be different sizes of starters (larger bendix?)?

You may have to find the serial number off the engine to determine what it is. It could be a different year engine than the '83. There's a few posts around here that explain where the numbers are. Try a quick search.

You may also want to see if you can determine the PN off of the original starter.

you can also take the starter in to Napa or a store like that and try to get it matched up if all else fails

re:
 

Well, I had to go back down to Checker and get the old starter back. I decided to go to a "mom & pop" auto parts store afterwards. The old guy that owns the store saw the starter and told me that it was a "3664"...not that I know the exact part number, but that's what he said. It seems from the rumors around town, that this guy is able to pull off some miracles when it comes to parts. So, tomorrow we'll see what trick he pulls out of his hat.

I'll post my results for either more help or if it worked. Thank you for the help on that so far.

I also looked around websites and searched here for finding the engine identification number on the engine block and was shown on the website, that it was near the rear of the engine block. I think I'd rather pull my finger nails outs. Still haven't found it. lol

here's the relate link for the engine codes http://www.yearone.com/yodnn/tech/VehicleInfoDecoding/ChevroletDecoding/ChevroletEngineCodes/tabid/322/Default.aspx

Another option would be to have it rebuilt.