[Faith No More]

would silicone on the spark plugs cause backfire + burning smell??

[Print Dad]

Hello Faithnomore,
I don't think that silicone on the plug would cause backfires.
It could cause smell or smoke.

I suppose there is a chance that the plug could be shorting out but I think this would give you a skip rather than a backfire.

I think the trouble is in the flywheel.
I would take starter down again and rotate the flywheel and check all the teeth. I know cars can be a hassle when there is odd trouble but don't get discouraged.

Just curious.....why the backfire question? What has happened?

Just another thought....have you checked the motor mounts? Maybe the motor is torquing and twisting causing the starter to hit something thus the cracked case? Reaching here but trying to think of everything.

Print dad

[Faith No More]

hmm, well there was a pop/backfire noise coming from the starter/headers area, along with a real light smoke and a burning smell.

Motor mounts are brand new btw.

[Print Dad]

Hello Faith No More,
Any luck yet? I wish I could offer some more advice.
The only other thing I was thinking about is perhaps the header gasket blew in the back. This could cause a pop and perhaps smoke etc. but it would not cause the original starter issue.

It's got me stumped but perhaps some of the more knowledgeable people will jump in....Print Dad