Starter turning slow
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Fleetwood PA
Starter turning slow
I have an issue with my starter. I have a 454 10:1 comp. For some reason the starter turns very slowly if at all .Doesn't matter if it's cold or hot.I have 12.8 volts at the battery, and 14.5 when running. I disconnect the battery positive and the next day it either won't turn over, or turns just enough to start it. I can run it around the area for a half hour, shut it off, and same problem. battery still reads 12.6V and 14.5 when charging. I'm stumped. (I have tried 2 batts....same problem) I even pulled the valve covers to check for broken push rods on the exhaust side that would be causing over compression issues. Any ideas would be welcome.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
with electrical stuff like this go to the basics.....clean all connections and grounds.....wire brush them so you have shiny metal....does your starter have a ground strap on it to the engine ground? and do you have a good connection from engine ground to frame ground.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Want to eliminate the compression from the equation, remove all spark plugs and crank the engine. If it still turns over slowly then look at electrical or the starter itself. I agree that all electrical contacts need to be checked.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,869
Likes: 196
From: Maryland
During the late 70s C-3s were equipped with aluminum battery cables that were copper plated and undersized. Replace battery cables with a larger gauge copper welding cable of 1/0 or 2/0 size. Use premium copper lugs and terminals.
Last edited by Donald #31176; Sep 22, 2009 at 10:20 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Yup, sounds like timing to me too.
I would first try backing off on the timing a little to see if it
starts easier. If so you may need to re-curve your distributor
to allow for less initial timing. If not, proceed to other items
mentioned by others here.
I would first try backing off on the timing a little to see if it
starts easier. If so you may need to re-curve your distributor
to allow for less initial timing. If not, proceed to other items
mentioned by others here.
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