C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 05:59 AM
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Hello!
I have some problems with my starter. Sometimes (not always) when I start, the solenoid pushes the override clutch forward but it doesn´t engage with the flywheel. I tried to shim the starter but with the same result.
What can cause this problem?

Thans, Günther
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 01:27 PM
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A bad solenoid or poor electrical connection.
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 05:32 PM
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Thank you!
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 07:10 PM
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Or its heat soacked and damaged/worn out. Is this a cold start or after you have it running for a while?

I would tell you to just run down to Oriellys or Autotzone and get a another one for $50 with lifetime warranty, but that may be difficult to find in Austria....
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Most likely the ring gear has worn teeth as a engine almost always stops in the same place...another contributor is the mistake that happens attempting to start the car with the engine running....Logically if a starter starts one time and not the next there is something else wrong and its not the starter

Shims should never be used for this problem as they make the situation worse by MOVING the pinion away from the ring gear...worsening the issue....Don't fall into the notion of 'heat soak' ither,....never happens ...just a poor excuse for guessing
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Old Nov 16, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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I'd say it's a bad solenoid. And if you can't get a new one readily, you could rebuild it.
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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 12:07 AM
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Default Take of the inspection cover and look.

Just 2 screws and the flywheel inspection cover comes off. That will tell u/us if the flywheel teeth are mashed.

U need to note if the engine is hot or cold when the solenoid doesn't engage.

Engine hot means possible heat soak. Engine cold could mean alignment, weak batt, corrosion on batt cables, solenoid contactor burnt up from arc flash. I once fixed a solenoid contacter with just some contact cleaner - usually i would flip the solenoid contactor plate and reuse it.

Let us know more/what u find.

Man there's a lot of foreiners here this weekend,
cardo0
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Old Nov 17, 2012 | 12:35 PM
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Hello!
The issue is only when the motor is cold. No problems when the motor is warm/hot.
The teeth on the flywheel look like new and the electrial connections are also OK.
I will buy a new solenoid, it´s about 20 USD and I need some other parts anyway.

Thank you for your help!

Best regards, Günther
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