starter/clutch interlock questions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
starter/clutch interlock questions
New to forum, just purchased '71 454 project, 4 speed. Having starting problems. Starter hits but won't engage flywheel until several tries, then starts no problem. Read a thread and removed/cleaned the ground at rear of car and starter. Has headers/side pipes with heat shield over original starter and I can't get to it unless I pull it. Shifter was changed for a Hurst. Before I pull the starter, I'd like to try to adjust the clutch interlock but don't know how to approach. Any help is appreciated. When I put the key in (car in reverse) and turn the key to try to start, I am unable to get the shifter out of reverse unless the car starts which makes me think something else is the issue. When I stopped to put fuel in last night, left car in neutral to see if that made a difference on starting and it did not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
First off, if the starter/solenoid engage your clutch interlock switch is working ok. If as you say it "hits" then the problem is in the bendix drive or the alignment of the starter teeth that mesh with the flywheel.
Sometimes worn flywheel teeth can contribute to this, but check starter first!
Read up on how to adjust the Hurst shifter rods for the reverse problem.
Sometimes worn flywheel teeth can contribute to this, but check starter first!
Read up on how to adjust the Hurst shifter rods for the reverse problem.
Last edited by mikem350; Nov 8, 2015 at 10:15 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 5,738
Likes: 644
From: Lincoln, CA
If power is getting to the starter it's not the safety switch.
Look into shimming as said.
Same for the Hurst. Verify neutral before you start messing with the linkage.
If it's good and the trans is newer maybe it's just stiff.
Look into shimming as said.
Same for the Hurst. Verify neutral before you start messing with the linkage.
If it's good and the trans is newer maybe it's just stiff.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
Starter hits hard every time, but only engages randomly. No teeth/mis alignment noises from the flywheel. I am new to this Vette but thought with the key in the ignition and on you should be able to move the shifter out of reverse and start in any gear and it acts like it's frozen in reverse until/when it starts. Shifts fine, although it is definitely tight with little room between gates. Thinking of a high torque mini starter which I have on another vehicle and works really well. Thanks for the feedback.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
starter/clutch interlock questions
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 1,507
From: Willis, tx
Problem solved, removed the neutral safety switch and found the only apparent problem was corrosion. I cleaned the wire connections on the switch with a soft wire brush and put a light film of grease to hopefully prevent this again. GENTLY bent the tabs and dissembled the switch. Cleaned and lubed the contacts and reassembled. Two thoughts for those who need to work on or around the NSS, as VARK said it is made of un-obtainium, you break or otherwise ruin it, baby you are out of luck. Also without a lift getting the rear linkage off and on would be very difficult, and you have to remove transmission mount support to reinstall the linkage.
