88 Starter problems... What next????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: West Newton Pennsylvania
88 Starter problems... What next????
My money pit strikes again!!!! I never had any starting problems my 42k 88, but yesterday I turned the key, and the starter motor ran, but didn't engauge with the flywheel. I tried it three consecutive times, same thing. I read a lot of guys say they have a clicking sound. I didn't have that problem. Just the starter motor whinning. This morning, it fired the first shot, and 3 after that. But!!! now I don't trust it, and afraid its going to strand me... My guestion is, do I have a weak battery, bad connection, or is the starter going bad??? Then, is it an easy job to do myself??? Keep in mind, I'm 59, and I will be laying on a concrete floor of my garage. But I'm tired of giving Mr Goodwrench my hard earned money, considering GM wants over 300.00 for a starter, + labor...
First it was valve seals, then injectors, then water pump, along with all the hoses and belts all date coded 10/87, complete tune-up, radator flush, fuel filter, and a host of other things... I know its low miles for an 88, but sitting to long, which it had before I bought it, is no good for any car...
First it was valve seals, then injectors, then water pump, along with all the hoses and belts all date coded 10/87, complete tune-up, radator flush, fuel filter, and a host of other things... I know its low miles for an 88, but sitting to long, which it had before I bought it, is no good for any car...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana TX
First of all, no offense, but you need to learn how to work on the vette yourself. I took my own starter out, had it rebuilt for $85, and reinstalled it. It took about an hour to take it out AND put it back. This is a VERY basic job and autozone offers FREE repair information or "how to". Find a local armature works shop and have them rebuild it. It was more than worth it for me. 
Mine is easier to take out because it is a 95, but I believe yours shouldn't be too awfully bad...maybe it is. ??? Have a good one..................................... ...........
Mine is easier to take out because it is a 95, but I believe yours shouldn't be too awfully bad...maybe it is. ??? Have a good one..................................... ...........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,030
Likes: 10
From: Edmonton, Alberta
My money pit strikes again!!!! I never had any starting problems my 42k 88, but yesterday I turned the key, and the starter motor ran, but didn't engauge with the flywheel. I tried it three consecutive times, same thing. I read a lot of guys say they have a clicking sound. I didn't have that problem. Just the starter motor whinning. This morning, it fired the first shot, and 3 after that. But!!! now I don't trust it, and afraid its going to strand me... My guestion is, do I have a weak battery, bad connection, or is the starter going bad??? Then, is it an easy job to do myself??? Keep in mind, I'm 59, and I will be laying on a concrete floor of my garage. But I'm tired of giving Mr Goodwrench my hard earned money, considering GM wants over 300.00 for a starter, + labor...
First it was valve seals, then injectors, then water pump, along with all the hoses and belts all date coded 10/87, complete tune-up, radator flush, fuel filter, and a host of other things... I know its low miles for an 88, but sitting to long, which it had before I bought it, is no good for any car...
First it was valve seals, then injectors, then water pump, along with all the hoses and belts all date coded 10/87, complete tune-up, radator flush, fuel filter, and a host of other things... I know its low miles for an 88, but sitting to long, which it had before I bought it, is no good for any car...
These cars will always require something and I feel your pain.
Good luck,
Jim
You will have to PM a mod to have it moved
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Not that difficult. Two bolts, two electrical connections and it comes out. The stock starter is not the lightest thing in the world so some arm strength is required. I absolutely agree with having yours rebuilt rather than a new one. Cost will be much less.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: West Newton Pennsylvania
First of all, no offense, but you need to learn how to work on the vette yourself. I took my own starter out, had it rebuilt for $85, and reinstalled it. It took about an hour to take it out AND put it back. This is a VERY basic job and autozone offers FREE repair information or "how to". Find a local armature works shop and have them rebuild it. It was more than worth it for me. Mine is easier to take out because it is a 95, but I believe yours shouldn't be too awfully bad...maybe it is. ??? Have a good one..................................... ...........
Mine is easier to take out because it is a 95, but I believe yours shouldn't be too awfully bad...maybe it is. ??? Have a good one..................................... ..........., and did the water pump, hoses, and injector job on the vette myself. You got to remember, I'm pushing 60, and laying on the garage floor is just not my idea of fun anymore. Advance Autoparts has a starter for $129.00 with a lifetime warranty, so I'm going that route...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Jack....changing a starter isn't particularly difficult on an early C4. I wouldn't call it fun, but the real hassle (to me anyway) is the time it takes to get the car up on jack stands. After that, it's 20 minutes each direction.
On my 84, I had to remove the transmission cooler lines from the transmission and move them out of the way. After that, it was 2 bolts, 2 wires, and out she came.
I DO recommend you invest in a creeper. Laying on concrete sucks, I don't care how old or young you are. I'm 45, and If I had to lay on concrete, I'd pay some young kid to help me.
[edit] I went with a Delco rebuilt starter. Ran me about the same as yours. 8 years now, no issues.
Good luck.
On my 84, I had to remove the transmission cooler lines from the transmission and move them out of the way. After that, it was 2 bolts, 2 wires, and out she came.
I DO recommend you invest in a creeper. Laying on concrete sucks, I don't care how old or young you are. I'm 45, and If I had to lay on concrete, I'd pay some young kid to help me.
[edit] I went with a Delco rebuilt starter. Ran me about the same as yours. 8 years now, no issues.
Good luck.
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