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Still Got starter motor problems

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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 11:06 PM
  #1  
jeffpierce81's Avatar
jeffpierce81
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Default Still Got starter motor problems

Starter motor spins fine, but fails to engage 75% of the time.
Replaced the solenoid switch today, but still does the same thing.
My best guess is the solenoid switch is not getting the current. Ok, now it's time for the stupid question... what tells the solenoid switch to engage?

It's really getting embarassing, having someone come up to the car window in parking lots and asking me if I need a jump start. I got plenty of battery power, just can't get it engaged!
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 11:43 PM
  #2  
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From: kingsport,tn,usa
Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

happened to me before, but i use the cheap-o advance starters, warranty, so i just take em back and get a new one...

the ignition switch, which is on the steering column, about a half mile back in there, the dimmer switch is attached to it, is what does all the igntion to the starter.

the batt. lead goes to the big terminal, and then theres another wire there that gives voltage to the rest of the car, it has 2 leads, check the fused links there on both sides, it goes up to firewall harness and then goes whereever, dont really know, but then comes back out, in an orange? i think wire that goes down to small bolt on solenoid.

if you can find another starter, see if that helps, if it doesnt, its not your starter


hope this helps

:cheers:
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Old Oct 2, 2001 | 11:47 PM
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From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
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Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

Doesn't sound like the solinoid. All the solinoid does is transfer the current when it closes--if the starter's turning, it's getting current. I'd check the mounting bolts on the starter and make sure everything's tight. Might need shims, though if it engages correctly sometimes and doesn't engage at all other times, doesn't really sound like that. Could be time for a new starter, as well. If the bolts are tight, I'd pull it, take it to a parts store, and have them test it.

JB

'78SA
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 08:34 AM
  #4  
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73Ken73
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From: Peabody,MA,USA
Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

Try one of the high torque mini starters. I have one and it is the best starter that I have ever had. My new engine ate 2 starters until I got the mini starter. I broke the bolts on one, on the second I put in stronger bolts and then ate the gear.
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 08:53 AM
  #5  
GERALD's Avatar
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From: PANAMA OKLAHOMA U.S.
Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

Sounds like a bad starter bendix weak spring
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 09:03 AM
  #6  
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Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

My 66 big/block ate up 3 starters,,,went with a high tourque mini starter , with remote solinoid, mounted on firewall...solved problem & worked fro me. :cheers:
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 09:10 AM
  #7  
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Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

A person is supposed to check the torque on the bolts holding the starter on every oil change. I think the torque is 30 ft-lbs.
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Old Oct 3, 2001 | 09:22 AM
  #8  
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norvalwilhelm
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Default Re: Still Got starter motor problems (jeffpierce81)

My bet peev with starters is that they don't fully engage the flywheel. They are mounted too far back and slam into the ring gear and then if lucky only the first 1/3 of the depth. I replaced my stock starter for a mini starter because of this and I found the mini starter had the same problem. Mounted too far back. I filled in the holes in the new starter and then redrilled them further out to move the starter closer to the ring gear. I now get about 1/2 engagement. The starter gear is to move forward then start turning not start turning then jamming forward into the ring gear.
I would look at a new starter. Maybe your starter gear is not moving forward properly so it is not engaging the ring gear
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