pj_corvette

Hi

My '78 wont start and I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction.

I was trying to start it after about 3 months of inactivity. At first, the engine turned but never got going. Then, the engine would not turn. You could hear the starter trying to get it going, but not enough to get it to turn.

Eventually, smoke started coming out from the starter area. I thought I had fried the starter, but checked the wiring and it was all burnt up, so I thought it was the wiring that fried instead.

So, I ordered a new starter wiring harness and replaced the old one, thinking it would fix it. Still, won't turn. The starter does engage the engine, but can't turn it.

So now, I'm confused. I mean, can the starter be bad anyway even if it does engage the engine and tries to turn it? If the smoke had come from the starter, would it still try to engage and turn the engine? Is there anything else I should be looking at besides the starter

By the way, all of the above tests happened with jumper cables coupled from my other car to the vette's alternator, because the vette's battery is dead now.
Also, the engine is not seized. I was able to turn it easily by hand.

Thanks.

PJ

Mike Ward

Charge the battery then connect the booster cables directly to the battery. The alternator wire is far too thin to carry that much current.

Ibanez540r

Starters probably not getting enough juice.

Also be aware of the shimming of the starter. If it does it with plenty of juice, it might be binding and could need shimmed.

Ibanez540r

...also never crank a starter for longer then 5-10 seconds at a time, and then break. They heat up quick.

BOSTONCAMARO

have spark?

BOSTONCAMARO

get good starter and wires in..then make sure there is spark and fuel

SuperBuickGuy

Yes, bushes are most common issue (one breaks off, or it's simply worn), bearings could be rusted.... the list goes on.

toolman0114

You can buy a smaller size, high torque starter from any parts place, part source, NAPA, etc, that come stock on some Chevy pick up trucks. I don't remember what years, or part numbers, but it bolts right up. Just tell the counter guy what you are doing and he should know exactly what one you need.

Raphiki

If you take the starter to the NAPA store they will run a draw test on it to see how much the starter is pulling. If it's pulling too much juice get a new high torque one.