Need starter help
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Need starter help
Hello!We have a 1985 C4 (4+3 trans) that we replaced the starter on. The engine started once and idled pretty well, but we couldn't get it started again. We visually confirmed that the starter pinion would pop out and spin, but it has a noticable loud clicking and the pinion oscillates a bit while it's powered. Flywheel and pinion teeth looks good. The battery was down to about 8 volts after the first attempt, and we then jumped it with another battery that dropped down to 6v after two attempts. Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem might be? Thank you!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 485
Likes: 230
Hi Kios. On my 88, there are two wires that go to the starter B post. First, make sure both of yours are on. I had the embarrassing situation where I forgot to reattach the main red cable and there was a click but no crank. So if that is ok, proceed systematically and look for voltage drop along your B cable and make sure your starter has a good ground. If you have a voltage drop, look for swells along the cable, could be corrosion. I had some around the clamp due to dissimiliar metals contacting.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Mar 16, 2026 at 12:32 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 365
Likes: 57
From: south wilmington il.
If you're getting anything below 12.5 volts at the battery, then I'd check the battery first. Not just voltage, but check the acid/water level and its content with a hydrometer. Also, if you have a load tester, check Amp draw. If you don't own these things take the battery out and any parts store will check it free. If you sort it out, check the alternator for charging while running with the tester.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 803
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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My amateur suggestion would be to first check the battery. Any parts store chain can stress test it if you cant. If battery checks out, Id follow the already recommended advise and check all the battery/starter wires, connections, and grounds.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 391
From: Ruskin, FL
Why did you replace the starter?
Once you sort out the issue of your battery.
Extend the pinion and measure the gap between its teeth and the teeth on the ring gear. If you're hearing a click but it's not turning the engine over it could be the pinion hitting the ring gear.
Did you use a stock replacement, or a permanent magnetic gear reduction unit? If the later, does it show any signs that it was dropped? If it was dropped it could have cracked the magnets that create the field. If it's a stock style starter it could be a bad bendix.
Once you sort out the issue of your battery.
Extend the pinion and measure the gap between its teeth and the teeth on the ring gear. If you're hearing a click but it's not turning the engine over it could be the pinion hitting the ring gear.
Did you use a stock replacement, or a permanent magnetic gear reduction unit? If the later, does it show any signs that it was dropped? If it was dropped it could have cracked the magnets that create the field. If it's a stock style starter it could be a bad bendix.
