Mikey1968

Well, first fuel fouled my plugs, then killed my battery tryign to get her fired up again. Recharged battery, then fried my starter. Love this old car ownership! Hahaha (at least I have a new hobby).

Any suggestions on the best way to replace the starter, before I tackle it tomorrow. I am a bit of a rookie....

GUSTO14

Really a pretty simple and straightforward job. Pay attention to the wires as you remove them from the solenoid. Use some masking tape and mark them if need be to get them back on correctly. Also if the front brace/bracket is still attached between the starter and block be sure to reinstall it. Some rebuilt starters are missing the correct (through) bolt that needs to be on the starter to attach this bracket, so if you do turn in your old starter, be prepared to switch the bolts before you let go of the old starter.

My personal preference regarding rebuilt starters is to rebuild the original one if at all possible. Most communities has at least one old automotive electronics shop that does this and many have been doing it for generations. At least you will know whose hands did the job and you will get your original starter back.

Good luck... GUSTO

TexasMadMan

Just in case no one told you, disconnect the battery before removing any starter wires.

79L48

May I ask what exactly happened that you believe your starter "went"?
I referenced that you were being hard on your starter by reefing on it so hard, but I am curious as to what happened for you to think it failed.
Also, buy a new battery and clean off all your contacts and grounds. Keep the charger on the battery. Only crank for 15-20 secs max at a time.
Did you replace your plugs yet? I know you replaced your ignition module, but did you replace your coil, too? I know you said you had spark, but maybe it's weak. (not likely as they typically fail all the way)
Also, since you know your wires are on right, you may have a timing issue which means all the cranking in the world ain't gonna get it.
Might be time to find a good mechanic, or a good forum member to help in the flesh.
Good luck!

Mikey1968

Good point. I am assuming it 'went' as i fully recharged the battery, and then went to try and start. First, it just kept clicking, then nothing at all. Just dead.
I will get a new coil as well, as they are cheap and easy to change. Any tips on removing the starter? Looks like a simple swap and bolt on? Correct?
again, I am not a mechanic, so any instuction would be great. (while I am at it, I may change valve cover gaskets, as they are leaking-This $H1t adds up quick!)

24695bob

I agree with 79L48....

Starters DO fail...been there done that with all my cars BUT I have my serious doubts that your started failed because you plugs were fouled and you cranked the car so much your battery died,,,

Replacing the starter is a piece of cake ...got to be one of the few repairs that you can accomplish in 30 minutes without first dissembling the entire car... BUT do unhook your battery and put a jack stand under the passengers side of the front of the car...

Another plus is that rebuilt starters are dirt cheap BUT some require a ship which usually comes with it anyway...

Bob G.

Mikey1968

Well now you all have me wondering. Maybe it is the battery. I havea trickle charger, and it says 'charged' with the green light lit. Maybe that is misleading as I have drained it and charged it a few times trying to get her running.
Before I start pulling starters and/or batteries, anything I can do first to pinpoint the problem.
Also, the main issue is it running rough and stalling when I crank it with the pedal on the flooor. I labeled the wires, but maybe I didnt do something right. Does anyone have a wire labeling diagram for a 2980 L-48, so I can confirm? I also will try buying a new coil.
Just want to make sure I am diagnosing everything properly before I waste valuable time and money!

Mikey1968

So I got under the car and tapped on the starter a bit, and now it is clicking again when I turn the key, but still not firing. Do you think it is the battery or starter? Im sooo confused!

BARRY L-48

You can remove the starter and take it to Autozone,Pep Boys to have it checked for free,then purchase a new starter or solenoid,whatever you may need.

killain

Here's a simple test. 1. Turn on the headlights, when you turn the key and the lights dim, you have a bad battery, or a bad cell. Or 2. if you turn the key and the lights stay the same, you've got a short somewhere in the wiring or inside the starter itself.

Carlos840

I had both issues with mine, both times same symptoms as yours!

First time it was actually my alternator that died, the battery reached a point where it was charged enough to show good on a tester, would still power the windows, radio and lights but was to weak to power the starter! Car would start with cables though!

Second time, a few months after that, it started doing the same thing and that time it was the relay or solenoid in the starter, it was clicking but not doing anything! Took it to an electromecanic shop and they rebuilt it...

79L48

Mikey,
Sorry. I was gone all day and couldn't check in yesterday. You have to change the plugs. Spray starting fluid in each cylinder as you go. make sure the gaps are right. If you don't have a lift, it is a PIA. I admit I paid someone to do it, but I could drive my car to the shop. Sounds like you need to be a but more intrepid.
If that isn't it, you must have timing problems.

kdf1986

If your battery was low or drained due to all the cranking, you might not have enough voltage to start your car. That might be the clicking noise you hear. You said you had the batter fully charged, but you are using a trickle charger. I dont think that will be enough to fully recharge your battery.

kdf

Mikey1968

Thanks all/ had battery and starter bench tested at autozone, and it was indeed the starter. replaced it, and we are good to go.
Thanks!

Paul Workman

Depends on how low the battery was and how long the charger was charging. If the battery is otherwise in good shape, a quality trickle charger (like the Battery Tender 800) will bring it to full capacity, eventually.

P.

rcread

Too late, but you can rebuild your starter for about $20 (American made kit) and 60 minutes.

Blue-C3

Doing this same project this weekend as long as the rain here stops!