Anyone push start a C5?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Originally Posted by VetteTech81
I had a customer of mine I had seen at a car show we went to and he mentioned to me he was having an intermittent no crank. from the desctription sounded like the starter was on it's way out. well when he went to leave the show it happend lucky he was on a hill we pushed it to get it rolling he pop'd the clutch and go it going and I told him drive straight home, as he wanted to replace the starter himself. he did and replaced it all is good. So we basically saved him a tow, not to mention the embaressment of having a tow truck come to pick it up at the show.
-=Rick
-=Rick
Anways, I can now confirm from experience that it does work on a C5. it popstarted instantly, and to the shop I went. Naturally, once I got it to my shop, it started no problem.
Had to remove the pass side header to get to the damn thing, but the starter is now out, and I have the replacement in hand...now trying to find a header gasket, then put it all back together. This is way too much fun.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me
Was that at Volo a year or two ago? I seem to recall a car being push started there.
Anways, I can now confirm from experience that it does work on a C5. it popstarted instantly, and to the shop I went. Naturally, once I got it to my shop, it started no problem.
Had to remove the pass side header to get to the damn thing, but the starter is now out, and I have the replacement in hand...now trying to find a header gasket, then put it all back together. This is way too much fun.
Anways, I can now confirm from experience that it does work on a C5. it popstarted instantly, and to the shop I went. Naturally, once I got it to my shop, it started no problem.
Had to remove the pass side header to get to the damn thing, but the starter is now out, and I have the replacement in hand...now trying to find a header gasket, then put it all back together. This is way too much fun.
Yep!
-=Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by sailohio
I had to start my Lotus that way about half the time. These young pups need some real world experience. 
Sad that truck is sitting rusting away in a field in wisconsin as my cousin doesn't treat it right. I've tried to buy it back he won't sell it!
-=Rick
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Hopefully, the problem has been fixed.
New starter is in, car is back together, and so far, it starts every time, and no other side effects. Since it was an intermittant problem though, only time will tell.
FYI, for anyone wondering what the starter for these things cost, I had no problem finding one at a local auto parts store, and it was $120 after a $30 core return (150 to buy outright). I believe the same starter is used on a lot of other GM vehicles.
New starter is in, car is back together, and so far, it starts every time, and no other side effects. Since it was an intermittant problem though, only time will tell.
FYI, for anyone wondering what the starter for these things cost, I had no problem finding one at a local auto parts store, and it was $120 after a $30 core return (150 to buy outright). I believe the same starter is used on a lot of other GM vehicles.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Originally Posted by sailohio
I had to start my Lotus that way about half the time. These young pups need some real world experience.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Originally Posted by Conk
Some cars won't start unless the clutch is in. Pop it and power is killed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
If you've confirmed the starter is the most likely cause, you may be able to get it going by taking a hammer or something and knocking the starter a little (tap-tap-tap).
Sometimes the brushes and such inside the starter are worn out in certain spots, so if the starter is in a specific position, it won't turn over. If you knock it a few times, you can usually jar it enough to get it to move slightly inside, then it'll fire.
Once running, head to the parts store for the replacement with a buddy so you can keep it running
I kept a hammer in a jeep that I had for a few weeks... push starting was a pain, smacking the starter with a hammer was easier
Sometimes the brushes and such inside the starter are worn out in certain spots, so if the starter is in a specific position, it won't turn over. If you knock it a few times, you can usually jar it enough to get it to move slightly inside, then it'll fire.
Once running, head to the parts store for the replacement with a buddy so you can keep it running
I kept a hammer in a jeep that I had for a few weeks... push starting was a pain, smacking the starter with a hammer was easier
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