During the past 2 years, my starter has hesitated when trying to start. After driving the car for a while, it gets worse, meaning, it gives just an electrical "clunk" noise (when key is turned), and doesnt turn over the starter. When repeatedly trying, it will finally turn it over, but very slowly. I think this is due to the common problem of heat soak, since the exhaust from manifold is less than a Half inch away from the front of the starter. I think the armature has been slowly deteriorating, and it needs rebuilt. Charging system is ok, battery, alternator and regulator, car has been fully restored about 6 years ago. Starter is numbers matching one, but I am sure it has been rebuilt before. My question is, how easy is it to remove one of these things. I am mechanically oriented, but it looks as though it will hit the exhaust if pulling it forward even the slightest bit. Everything is original, not modified, down to the smog pump. Does this starter wiggle out sideways??? IF so, it would be easy to remove, since their is plenty of clearance to the side of the starter, but not any, or hardly any below (transmission cooling lines), or in front (exhaust about 1/4 inch away). Please let me know before I remove the 2 bolts to giggle it out. thanks !!

Gonzo

 

Gonzo,

Yes,… if everything, (particularly the exhaust system) on your car is stock, you will have no problem getting the starter out. Once the bolts are removed, it will tilt down and clear the exhaust system as you slide it clear of the bellhousing. Be sure to remove all of the wiring from the starter before you completely remove the bolts as it gets mighty heavy to hold while trying to remove them afterward.

Oh yes, and do remove the negative battery cable before removing the wiring from the starter. There should also be a moon shaped bracket on the aft end of the starter, (closest to the exhaust), that connects the starter to the block. Be sure to remove this and if it isn't there, try to obtain one to reinstall when you're done.

If you have a good automotive electrical place in your community, you can take your starter to them and most have the ability to rebuild your starter right there. (Check with some of the local racers in your area, there is bound to be one.) These folks can usually test it under load to determine first if it's bad, and then after it's rebuilt. They should also be able to replace every component in it if necessary and still keep your original housing. In our area, they will even typically do all of this for less than an average rebuilt one at the chain auto parts stores.

Good luck… GUSTO

 

thanks very much Gusto!!! It is a stock exhaust system, but it looks like it will hit the exhaust coming down from the manifold, since the front of the starter is just 1/4 of an inch away. If it tilts downward, I still have to try to remove it from the side, not down or forward. Hopefully I can roll it loose and tilt it sideways to remove it cleanly. I will remember to disconnect the negative ground, and make sure wires are off first. ALSO, I heard to replace the nuts as the wires are disconnected so as to not mix them up. Hopefully I will not have to remove the exhaust or the bellhousing to remove the starter from the car. If their are any other ideas from anyone else, especially with my same setup (327/300 hsp auto), please let me know...thanks again



Gonzo

 

I had the same situtation a couple of months back. But with a 454 I had even less room. You have to do some wiggling but it will come out. I had more problems getting it around the cooling lines the tranny than the exhaust. Make sure to mark those wires or you will mix them up on reinstall. You can get a bendix replacement at the local auto parts store for like $20. I tried that but didn't work. Just repalced the entire unit for $45. Good luck, Matt

 

this post may help a little http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1287969

 

thanks for your advice and help Matt, I am going to try to tackle this job tonight or tomorrow. Found Someone in Indianola, IA that will rebuild my original 68 unit for $35, solenoid and all. Cant beat that around here. Besides, I want to stay completely original with my vehicle. Thanks again for your help and advice!!



Gonzo

 

that was weird....after all of that, it was just the starter. That fixed everything. And here I thought it was the battery or alternator. Exact problem was the field coils inside the starter itself. I am ONE HAPPY DUDE!!! Only set back $40 bucks to rebuild my original.

Gonzo

 

There ya go, might think about a heat wrap for it, won't affect your numbers and should keep the starter a bit cooler