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Old Dec 29, 2020 | 10:48 PM
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Default Starter problem?

What would cause the bendix NOT to fully retract?

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Old Dec 30, 2020 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Jim71Vette
What would cause the bendix NOT to fully retract?

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Broken or very weak spring
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Old Dec 30, 2020 | 03:02 AM
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Also bent shaft. Lack of lubrication, cracked nose on starter. improperly fit starter. (may need shimming).

Last edited by 4-vettes; Dec 30, 2020 at 03:03 AM.
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Old Dec 30, 2020 | 05:08 PM
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Mine was a bad bushing..listed as #4

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-starting.html

manual quite accurate




Last edited by interpon; Dec 30, 2020 at 05:24 PM.
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Old Dec 30, 2020 | 05:54 PM
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Unless you're a purist, I might suggest buying a high torque mini starter.
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Old Dec 31, 2020 | 12:24 AM
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I removed the starter and took it to O'rielly's to be tested. The starter tested OK. When I installed this starter, no shims were used because the OEM starter didn't have any shims. When I reinstall the starter I will check for need of shims. IIRC the battery voltage was low when the bendix did not fully retract. Don't know if it would cause the problem.
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Old Dec 31, 2020 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Jim71Vette
I removed the starter and took it to O'rielly's to be tested. The starter tested OK. When I installed this starter, no shims were used because the OEM starter didn't have any shims. When I reinstall the starter I will check for need of shims. IIRC the battery voltage was low when the bendix did not fully retract. Don't know if it would cause the problem.
take it apart, check shaft for smoothness and straight..check bushings in nose..these are pretty simple
pic helpful too..some n here helped me with solenoid identification and preference..also check smoothness of solenoid

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-starting.html

Last edited by interpon; Dec 31, 2020 at 12:41 AM.
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Old Jan 26, 2021 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Jim71Vette
I removed the starter and took it to O'rielly's to be tested. The starter tested OK. When I installed this starter, no shims were used because the OEM starter didn't have any shims. When I reinstall the starter I will check for need of shims. IIRC the battery voltage was low when the bendix did not fully retract. Don't know if it would cause the problem.

Finally got back on this. After having the starter tested I reinstalled without shims. Per install instructions I have the correct 1/8 inch clearance between the armature shaft and tip of teeth of ring gear.
The battery is charged at 12.5 volts. When starting(ignition is off) it acts like battery is low, 1 or 2 revolutions and then just a few clicks and silence. The bendix has not retracted. I can easily push back with a screwdriver. Doesn't seem to be binding. Any ideas?


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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 02:24 AM
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1. Battery may have a bad cell even if it is fairly new...have a Load Test done on the battery.
2. Original battery cables can look fine, but may be corroded internally...
remove a small piece of cable Insulation about 2" from ends of both cables and check for white or green corrosion in copper strands....
apply silicone sealer to cover i nspection area if cables are in good shape.
3. Cable connections can be loose or corroded...clean connections and re-tighten.
4. Install a Ground cable from starter to frame to ensure a good starter ground.
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 08:04 AM
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Put a new solenoid and spring on it. Bench test is not a good test of a starter.....it does not test under load.
Or quit playing with 25 lb. obsolete electric motors and grab a CVR starter. 5323 or 5323 for points ignition......I will never use an old GM starter on anything anymore. Shave 17 lbs., have twice the room in that area and listen to your engine spin over like there is no plugs in it. Clean cables and a fresh hot "cheapest battery on the shelf" will last you about forever.......
When you are on your back holding the 8 lb. starter up with one hand while putting a bolt in, you will never go back.

Jebby
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Jebbysan
Put a new solenoid and spring on it. Bench test is not a good test of a starter.....it does not test under load.
Or quit playing with 25 lb. obsolete electric motors and grab a CVR starter. 5323 or 5323 for points ignition......I will never use an old GM starter on anything anymore. Shave 17 lbs., have twice the room in that area and listen to your engine spin over like there is no plugs in it. Clean cables and a fresh hot "cheapest battery on the shelf" will last you about forever.......
When you are on your back holding the 8 lb. starter up with one hand while putting a bolt in, you will never go back.

Jebby
Best answer.
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Old Jan 27, 2021 | 04:24 PM
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Default Solved!!

Turned out to be the battery. I charged it and took to O'rielly's to test, had a bad cell.
I never suspected the battery because it is only 10 months old. Fortunately, I bought it there and when they prorated the 2 year warranty
the new battery was about half price.

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