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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 02:10 PM
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Default help :-( starter

im new to working on cars so hopefully you can be patient with me
lately my 82 has been running ok but when we towed it home last week it refuses to start or even turn. All i can get is a small clicking noise and i have been told i should try givingthe starter a wack with a hammer.

problem is like i said im brand new and i was wondering if anyone had a pic of where i should do the so called "wacking"

and id assume i need someone starting the car as i hit it?
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 02:14 PM
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Hit the starter anywhere on the main can, or 'body' of the starter. It's very solid and stout...it won't dent easily. Just give it a whack and try to start the car.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 02:14 PM
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I had the same problem with my 79. The top of the solenoid was loose and I could jiggle it and the car would start. Hitting the solenoid where the battery wire connects to it with a hammer will also work but I just replaced the solenoid and that fixed the problem.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 02:17 PM
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sorry for being a pita but does anyone have a pic as to where i can find it?
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 02:28 PM
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No pic, you can probably find several using google, but its on the passenger side of the engine, back towards the transmission. Basically, it looks like a black cylinder bolted to the side of the block. Lay on the ground and look under the passenger side of the car. Give it a good whack.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 03:11 PM
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ive tried google no luck

but thats my problem i didnt look under the car haha
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 03:25 PM
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Ok Ill Bite Did you charge the Battery ,It will click when the batt dead or the ground wire needs some help. Mine only needed hit with a hammer AFTER it was hot, and would not start.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 03:38 PM
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It could be a dead battery and your trying to wack your starter. Do some above ground checks before you crawl under the car. It may save you a lot of grief. Try boosting it with another battery or car first.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 03:46 PM
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Follow the arrow up against the block

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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 03:51 PM
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....this same thread is running in "Tech" ....
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 04:08 PM
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the one in tech was about everything no one seemed to help with the starter so i came here and bingo right away you guys helped me
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 04:24 PM
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Is a metric or an english "wack" being recommended?
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 04:34 PM
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its ok to whack the starter body with a medium "whack" start soft and slowly increase the strike to see if it will turn over. You might try "tapping" the solenoid. If you "whack" it you will more than likely need a new one. If its just clicking it may be a bad solenoid. Try jumping over the two big terminals with a heavy screwdriver (shorting) and see if it turns.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 05:27 PM
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i whack it all the time. start soft and slowly increase.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 05:34 PM
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too much info!!
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ngroat7007
the one in tech was about everything no one seemed to help with the starter so i came here and bingo right away you guys helped me
no problem
hope somewhere between the 2 threads the car gets started
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
Is a metric or an english "wack" being recommended?
I think it's a english wack but it must be calibrated.

Honestly, you need to check the battery before you go beating on stuff.
Have you tried a simple jump start to see if it will start?
That would tell you volumes.
If it jumps the your problem is most likely the battery and/or charging system.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Hammerhead Fred
I think it's a english wack but it must be calibrated.

Honestly, you need to check the battery before you go beating on stuff.
Have you tried a simple jump start to see if it will start?
That would tell you volumes.
If it jumps the your problem is most likely the battery and/or charging system.
battery=
jumping=
an english wack= i have to wait till the snow is gone
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 07:52 PM
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I agree I would check the battery and negative battery cable before I start hitting the starter.
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Old Jan 22, 2008 | 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
Is a metric or an english "wack" being recommended?

I believe all C-3's use the english whack. GM converted to the metric whack with the C-4's. I've been told that a few of the late C-3's (1982 and possibly a few 1981's) had the metric whack incorporated but i've never been able to verify this. Hope this helps.
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