Starter...at my wits end...!!!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Starter...at my wits end...!!!
So I hooked up a mini-starter for an 89 to the 86 vette and now when I go to crank it...click-clunk. 
I took it off to look at it. And the gear shoots out for the duration of the key turn and then kicks back in after you let go. It just doesn't turn when it is kicked out.... WHY???
It is a retrofit onto an 86. Everything went fine and I hooked up the ones from the big stud on the old starter, to the new big stud and so forth, so on. So I can't imagine it isn't wired right, but tell me what would cause this?
I have LTs and a track pan so I have to drop the pan to get the starter off. Don't tell me I didn't get a bum starter and should've tested it before bolting on the pan....
I took it off to look at it. And the gear shoots out for the duration of the key turn and then kicks back in after you let go. It just doesn't turn when it is kicked out.... WHY???
It is a retrofit onto an 86. Everything went fine and I hooked up the ones from the big stud on the old starter, to the new big stud and so forth, so on. So I can't imagine it isn't wired right, but tell me what would cause this?
I have LTs and a track pan so I have to drop the pan to get the starter off. Don't tell me I didn't get a bum starter and should've tested it before bolting on the pan....
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Elkton MD
No starter rotation
Sounds like the solenoid fails to contact the lead to the starter windings. If it's an integral unit (solenoid and starter in one housing) you may not be able to access that lead (it will be a very big wire about 3/16" diameter conductor).
If it's like the old two piece solenoid/starters, put 12v onto the big copper lug connecting the starter to the solenoid. If it still doesn't turn it's a bum starter. If it turns, it's a bum solenoid.
Hope this helps.
If it's like the old two piece solenoid/starters, put 12v onto the big copper lug connecting the starter to the solenoid. If it still doesn't turn it's a bum starter. If it turns, it's a bum solenoid.
Hope this helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
At the end of the starter solenoid stroke two copper contacts close to switch current to the starter motor. If the solenoid is prevented from going to the end of its stroke, then the contacts won't make and the starter motor won't run. Also, these contacts get pitted and burned and eventually have to be replaced. When out of the car, the starter should spin if you have a good low resistance battery connection to the starter. Jumper cables may not do it.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
I just wanted to thank everyone here for their input. After further inspection, the true culprit was revealed.
The extension I had made had somehow come apart from the loop connector...thus only enough current to kick out the gear. Put a new store bought 4 gauge extension on and kick it...damn thing spun like nothing!
Thanks again guys!
The extension I had made had somehow come apart from the loop connector...thus only enough current to kick out the gear. Put a new store bought 4 gauge extension on and kick it...damn thing spun like nothing!
Thanks again guys!
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