Need help - starter motor not engaging engine
#1
Need help - starter motor not engaging engine
Hey guys,
So tonight after work went to start my 77 and the starter engaged and turned the engine, I let off and the engine didn't start and there was a clunk. I then went to turn it over again and the starter just span without turning the engine. Really worried about this as I have a suprise road trip planned with my dad next week..
Here is a video of what happens:
Any ideas what it is and what I can do to fix it? New starter motor?
Chris
So tonight after work went to start my 77 and the starter engaged and turned the engine, I let off and the engine didn't start and there was a clunk. I then went to turn it over again and the starter just span without turning the engine. Really worried about this as I have a suprise road trip planned with my dad next week..
Here is a video of what happens:
Any ideas what it is and what I can do to fix it? New starter motor?
Chris
Last edited by Chris Long; 06-12-2018 at 03:16 PM.
#2
Race Director
Is this a factory style replacement starter or one of those high torque shorty ones.
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
DUB
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
DUB
The following users liked this post:
Chris Long (06-12-2018)
#3
Is this a factory style replacement starter or one of those high torque shorty ones.
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
DUB
Seems like it needs a shim or two put between the starter and the engine block.
Also...IF the starter is the original design type. Hopefully you still have the support bracket that bolts to the side of the engine block that attaches to the end of the armature housing for added support.
Also...jeep in mind there they sell two different types of starter shims at the auto parts stores. Some starters have a staggered or angled bolt pattern while others are straight bolt pattern. The staggered bolt pattern is when one of the starter bolts is closer to the front of the engine by an inch or two while the other is near the back of the engine The straight bolt pattern...the bolts are in line with one another and the same distance from the rear of the engine.
DUB
https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...3-pieces/11038
https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...-5-pieces/8629
#4
Bad solenoid or broken starter gear.
My 75 did that and the gear on the starter was broken in half. Half was missing, half was still there.
.
My 75 did that and the gear on the starter was broken in half. Half was missing, half was still there.
.
Last edited by Aerovette; 06-12-2018 at 04:41 PM.
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Chris Long (06-12-2018)
#5
Race Director
Yes...those would be the correct shims...depending on the bolt pattern of the starter itself.
DUB
DUB
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Chris Long (06-12-2018)
#6
If it is the gear would this be what I need to replace it: https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...er-drive/15857
#7
Hey, thanks for your help, I guess the only way to tell is to take the starter off? Is it fairly simple to do? Will be borrowing some tools to have a proper look tomorrow.
If it is the gear would this be what I need to replace it: https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...er-drive/15857
If it is the gear would this be what I need to replace it: https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...er-drive/15857
Possibly. I took a different path and replaced the entire starter.
#8
Melting Slicks
Hey, thanks for your help, I guess the only way to tell is to take the starter off? Is it fairly simple to do? Will be borrowing some tools to have a proper look tomorrow.
If it is the gear would this be what I need to replace it: https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...er-drive/15857
If it is the gear would this be what I need to replace it: https://www.corvettekingdom.co.uk/pa...er-drive/15857
It's likely that or the starter solenoid. (my bet is the Bendix as your fan "just" moves when the starter is engaged)
Both are relatively easy to install with standard hand tools.
Either way the starter will need to come out.
Starter removal is pretty straight forward.
Take some photos of the wiring PRIOR to removal so you can easily reconnect upon install.
FYI: that doesn't sound like a stock starter - possibly some mini-starter.
Last edited by Hammerhead Fred; 06-12-2018 at 05:03 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Chris Long (06-12-2018)
#9
That's what we refer to as the Bendix.
It's likely that or the starter solenoid. (my bet is the Bendix as your fan "just" moves when the starter is engaged)
Both are relatively easy to install with standard hand tools.
Either way the starter will need to come out.
Starter removal is pretty straight forward.
Take some photos of the wiring PRIOR to removal so you can easily reconnect upon install.
FYI: that doesn't sound like a stock starter - possibly some mini-starter.
It's likely that or the starter solenoid. (my bet is the Bendix as your fan "just" moves when the starter is engaged)
Both are relatively easy to install with standard hand tools.
Either way the starter will need to come out.
Starter removal is pretty straight forward.
Take some photos of the wiring PRIOR to removal so you can easily reconnect upon install.
FYI: that doesn't sound like a stock starter - possibly some mini-starter.
#10
Race Director
Make sure you disconnect your NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE before you go to remove the starter.
DUB
DUB
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Chris Long (06-12-2018)
#11
Ok one more problem I've found, the engine isn't original as I guess most aren't now, but now I don't know what starter motor fits it!
VIN: 10D145797
Engine code: V0114CNR
3970010
When I search it comes up as a Caprice/Bel Air/Kingswd 300hp 1970 350. Is this right? If so anyone have any idea what starter it needs?
VIN: 10D145797
Engine code: V0114CNR
3970010
When I search it comes up as a Caprice/Bel Air/Kingswd 300hp 1970 350. Is this right? If so anyone have any idea what starter it needs?
#12
Melting Slicks
Ok one more problem I've found, the engine isn't original as I guess most aren't now, but now I don't know what starter motor fits it!
VIN: 10D145797
Engine code: V0114CNR
3970010
When I search it comes up as a Caprice/Bel Air/Kingswd 300hp 1970 350. Is this right? If so anyone have any idea what starter it needs?
VIN: 10D145797
Engine code: V0114CNR
3970010
When I search it comes up as a Caprice/Bel Air/Kingswd 300hp 1970 350. Is this right? If so anyone have any idea what starter it needs?
#13
Dementer sole survivor
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take it out, have it tested, then replace it if theres questions. stock ones are cheap and you'll have time before the trip to make sure its working
#14
Thanks for all the replies guys, good to know there is a helpful community for times like this! For anyone interested, I managed to source a new starter and get the old one off yesterday. Can you spot what the issue was?!
Thankfully the new one is now on and working
Thankfully the new one is now on and working
#15
Race Director
UHHHH....let me take a good look. Well it seems the starter on the bottom is a bit greasy and that caused your problem???...OR...
The end housing snapped off and that caused your armature to no longer be centered and THAT was the problem.
I am going with my second observation.
Back to reality...glad you took it off and found that a new starter will do the trick. But also MAKE SURE that the starter is connected to that bracket that supports the end of the armature housing to make the starter solidly mounted. IF you do not use that support bracket at the end of the armature housing...the starter can flex/move. YES..I have worked on so many starters where this bracket is missing or not connected...but that is NOT the point.
DUB
The end housing snapped off and that caused your armature to no longer be centered and THAT was the problem.
I am going with my second observation.
Back to reality...glad you took it off and found that a new starter will do the trick. But also MAKE SURE that the starter is connected to that bracket that supports the end of the armature housing to make the starter solidly mounted. IF you do not use that support bracket at the end of the armature housing...the starter can flex/move. YES..I have worked on so many starters where this bracket is missing or not connected...but that is NOT the point.
DUB