Starter bad?
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
From: Shakopee Minnesota
Starter bad?
Last night I went to put the docks in at my cabin, was driving pretty fast down a 2-3 mile dirt road to get there (there was dust in the air). Put the docks in, go to start my 86 and the motor didn't even try to crank. All of the lights on the dash were bright, and didn't dim when I tried to start. Jumped it, and it fired right up. Got home, it started right up. This morning, started right up.
Would the dust do this, or do I need a new starter?
I will be installing some headers this weekend, for the record, so I know it will be a pain to replace the starter with the headers on.
Would the dust do this, or do I need a new starter?
I will be installing some headers this weekend, for the record, so I know it will be a pain to replace the starter with the headers on.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Wixom Michigan
I had the exact same issue and it actually happened to be a bad starter solenoid. I don't think the dust had anything to do with it, I think it was more coincidence than anything.
There are a couple of good posts in the archives on some really cheap fixes.
And pulling out the starter with the manifold still on isn't very hard at all. Did the whole thing with hand tools and a hour or two of time.
There are a couple of good posts in the archives on some really cheap fixes.
And pulling out the starter with the manifold still on isn't very hard at all. Did the whole thing with hand tools and a hour or two of time.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Could be VATS, could be the copper contacts that the starter solenoid forces together at the end of its stroke being pitted and burned. Check VATS if no click when you hit crank, check copper contacts if you hear click but no cranking. Removing battery cables (neg first) and cleaning cable lugs, bolts and battery terminals and replacing (neg last) is a good idea. Starters draw 100+ amps and require a good low resistance connection to the battery.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Even if it isn't the starter, if you are putting long tube headers on an 86', then you will want to replace the original starter with a 1988 or later Corvette starter. The Headers will block the larger starter they used in 1986 (at least my TPIS headers did). I put a 1988 Corvette Starter from NAPA on the car and I can remove it without touching the headers. I did have to pull all of the slack out of the battery cable to make it reach, though. I also have to pull the flywheel cover to pull the starter, but that is simple stuff next to pulling the header.
I plan on replacing my battery cables soon, and I plan on getting a slightly longer positive cable to help reach the newer starter.
I plan on replacing my battery cables soon, and I plan on getting a slightly longer positive cable to help reach the newer starter.
