Starter problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
Starter problem
I have a '73 L48 4-speed that I have been been trying to get it in Working order. The starter was bad and I replaced it with a NAPA starter. After the new starter was installed it cranked fine at first. After cranking several times while I was getting the timing adjusted I could hear the starter loudly crank and continued to crank after I let go of the key. I turned the key to the off position and the starter stopped. Then when I tried again there was no response from the starter. Frustrated I left it alone for a day and when I went back and turn the key I hear the starter winding but it is not engaging.
Couple of questions:
1. What would have cause the starter to continue after I let go of the key? And why was there no response from the starter after that?
2. Is the starter shot and need a new one since I hear it winding but not engaging?
I have searched the forum but I was unable to find a similar issue. Could it be a ground problem or something?
I am a relative rookie as far as auto repair goes. I got the vette from my father-in-law when he passed away and it has become an interest of mine. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Couple of questions:
1. What would have cause the starter to continue after I let go of the key? And why was there no response from the starter after that?
2. Is the starter shot and need a new one since I hear it winding but not engaging?
I have searched the forum but I was unable to find a similar issue. Could it be a ground problem or something?
I am a relative rookie as far as auto repair goes. I got the vette from my father-in-law when he passed away and it has become an interest of mine. So any help would be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 422
Likes: 3
From: Oxford MI
it does sound like a solenoid issue but strange that it would fail so soon. They are usually pretty reliable. check your connections, pull the starter and test it on the floor. look for signs of any wear on the drive teeth that could indicate you may need to add a shim between the starter and the block.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
Thank you for the help. I will pull it and test. Also check if a shim is needed. I would be surprised that the solenoid failed so quickly considering it was the same day that I installed it, but an easy fix. Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Clearly the solenoid got stuck. Two possibilities. Either there is an internal problem with the starter that caused the solenoid to stick, or the started is not properly aligned with the flywheel and the gear got stuck in the teeth and couldn't retract. That can happen if you don't have the correct started bolts. The correct bolts have a knurled shoulder that aligns the starter. If you have the correct bolts and you're still not aligned properly, you may need to shim the started for proper gear to flywheel tooth alignment.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
I removed the starter and bench tested. The pinion gear comes out but is not spinning. Since the pinion gear is coming out then the solenoid is not stuck?
Since the pinion gear is not spinning then I have read it could be a brush problem? Is that accurate? the starter was new so how would it fail so quickly?
Also I did see some minor wear on the flywheel so I will be installing with shims. Once I figure out the starter problem.
Since the pinion gear is not spinning then I have read it could be a brush problem? Is that accurate? the starter was new so how would it fail so quickly?
Also I did see some minor wear on the flywheel so I will be installing with shims. Once I figure out the starter problem.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham Alabama
The solenoid requires a constant min. Voltage of 9 volts. you may have a voltage drop,
Poor connections, week battery. To make the starter spin on the bench, put full battery
Voltage on the large post, with a ground on the case.The small post (nearest the engine) .
Is the start signal from the ing. Switch to the solenoid.
Poor connections, week battery. To make the starter spin on the bench, put full battery
Voltage on the large post, with a ground on the case.The small post (nearest the engine) .
Is the start signal from the ing. Switch to the solenoid.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque NM
I used a new battery so I would not expect low voltage to be an issue. I followed the steps described. The positive cable was connected to the large post (top post as oriented was installed and the negative on the housing. Then when I used the screw driver to touch the small post the pinion gear comes out but is not spinning.
I got the same response from the pinion gear when I put the positive straight to small post.
Based on my understanding the pinion gear should come out and spin when the positive is connected to the large post at the same time as the small post is touched. Also, when only the small post is touched and the pinion comes out that means the solenoid is operating properly. Right?
When I touch the positive to the bottom post going into the starter motor I don't get any response. So suspect this means it is a motor failure. Any way to fix? Or would it be easiest to exchange the starter is it was new from NAPA?
Thank again for all help!
I got the same response from the pinion gear when I put the positive straight to small post.
Based on my understanding the pinion gear should come out and spin when the positive is connected to the large post at the same time as the small post is touched. Also, when only the small post is touched and the pinion comes out that means the solenoid is operating properly. Right?
When I touch the positive to the bottom post going into the starter motor I don't get any response. So suspect this means it is a motor failure. Any way to fix? Or would it be easiest to exchange the starter is it was new from NAPA?
Thank again for all help!
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 7
From: Kansas
While you have the starter out again and you take this one back. Spend a couple bucks extra to get the mini hi tourqe starter. This will also take care of any heat soak issues you get casuing hard starts when hot. Just food for thought.