C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Crazy Starting..

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Old Sep 14, 2005 | 06:06 PM
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Default Crazy Starting..

Yesterday, when I went to turn on my '88, I got this really loud, high-pitched sound when I turned my key. I had this problem twice before, but it goes away for a really long time, and I don't think anything of it. But now I am! lol Anways, could that be a bad starter?

~Derek
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 09:42 AM
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Starter could be loose and now misaligned.
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 09:53 AM
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or it may need shimming.
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Fork501
Yesterday, when I went to turn on my '88, I got this really loud, high-pitched sound when I turned my key. I had this problem twice before, but it goes away for a really long time, and I don't think anything of it. But now I am! lol Anways, could that be a bad starter?

~Derek
Did the engine crank while this sound was occurring? If not, I'll lay ten to one odds it's your starter drive gear (sometimes called a Bendix) that's not catching. This drive gear uses an overriding clutch that allows it to spin independently of the starter's shaft after the engine starts, so that the running engine isn't able to overrev the starter motor. If the clutch doesn't grab, the starter motor will spin with essentially no resistance, causing the noise you're hearing and a no-crank condition.

If the engine cranks normally while the noise is occurring, then it's probably something to do with the way the starter drive gear is engaging the flywheel, but if it only occurs every once in a while, I doubt it's a shimming issue.

Be well,

SJW
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by SJW
Did the engine crank while this sound was occurring? If not, I'll lay ten to one odds it's your starter drive gear (sometimes called a Bendix) that's not catching. This drive gear uses an overriding clutch that allows it to spin independently of the starter's shaft after the engine starts, so that the running engine isn't able to overrev the starter motor. If the clutch doesn't grab, the starter motor will spin with essentially no resistance, causing the noise you're hearing and a no-crank condition.

If the engine cranks normally while the noise is occurring, then it's probably something to do with the way the starter drive gear is engaging the flywheel, but if it only occurs every once in a while, I doubt it's a shimming issue.

Be well,

SJW

It did not crank at all. How do I check the drive gear? Do I just need to replace the starter? =\

~Derek
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 02:49 PM
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I would just replace it
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Old Sep 15, 2005 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Fork501
It did not crank at all. How do I check the drive gear? Do I just need to replace the starter? =\

~Derek

If it is the clutch then you'll need to replace the starter. I just had that happen to me and there's no way to get a new clutch setup for that starter, you've got to buy a whole new starter
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