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I used my old starter to spin the engine & build Oil Pressure in this project - It was smooth and fast. The engine sat idle while I did cam, lifters, guts, etc. I did the starter / Oil Pressure test AFTER all that. THEN put this new one on. It sounds AWFUL - very labored and slow. Here is a pic of the old and New one's box for part #. The only difference is this one has 2 long bolts vs 1 short / 1 long. I did notice that the drive gear is thicker or ? - sits up higher in the 'cup'
The forum won't let me post sound files so here is a Imgur Link - What could cause such a horrible sound? I stoopidly did not test the new one after the install and now ALL my exhaust is installed - It will TAKE HOURS TO REMOVE IT!!
What do y'all think is causing it to sound like this? There are NO SPARK PLUGS or Intake (just a LSA Blower) and NO FEAD (Belt) - it should spin like CRAZY.
H E L P !!!
Is it actually working? I can't tell for sure, but it sounds like it's not grinding teeth or anything. I'm not familiar with that starter, but it certainly doesn't sound like a standard GM starter.
If it works and starts the engine I'd just live with it. Not like it's a continuous noise. If it doesn't work..... well.... happy trails, you know what's in store for you.
Thanks for the reply - That starter is from RA and is on the list for this year, make, model. My son just put the same one in his LS Swapped RX7. It is DEF a GM replacement and it's the 'better' one because it has 2 long bolts.
I am really stumped - No metal grinding sounds but just very labored, slow & LOUD! - Keep in mind the engine is open - no plugs. The old one spun it fast as hell.
Unfortunately, it's not unheard of for aftermarket parts to be junk out of the box, even from reputable manufacturers. If all the connections are on there correct and tight you might have gotten a lemon.
You may have gotten a bad one straight out of the box, I always used to test starters with booster cables before installing. You might try loosening the two mounting bolts and moving the starter a bit, could be a slight alignment problem, and yea it's no fun to drop a starter on our cars.
Thanks for all the replies! Yes it's an LS6 block. I'm just trying to do what Mr Black did (Hopefully without the windows in the block).
I did take it off - wasn't easy but i only had to drop the header - after loosening the mufflers and taking off the X-Pipe, O2's, etc. I didn't have to remove coils & rocker covers so it wasn't as bad as I anticipated.
Going to the Auto Electric shop tomorrow to see my options.
mmartinez - you can bet your Azz I'll jumper cable test everything from now on. That was a Rookie mistake.
Here's a pic of what I'm attempting - FWIW....
Stock hood with a big hole in it. that's why I PC'd it body color.
I'm Old Skool - It'll work if I do it 'tastefully'. That's an older pic - the intake is all done, Waiting for the stuff to finish the FEAD. I'm REALLY ready to light this thing up. I'll keep y'all posted. I ain't no Mr Black but I'm trying....
I have the same starter with no issues. Probably a dumb question but is your battery fully charged?
Yes - Brand new Optima Yellow. I tested both old and mew on the floor with jump cables. New one is noisy / different sound but spun very fast with no load on it. I bent the + terminal on the new one but it still makes good contact and runs as tested. I'm taking it to local shop now....
You may have gotten a bad one straight out of the box, I always used to test starters with booster cables before installing. You might try loosening the two mounting bolts and moving the starter a bit, could be a slight alignment problem, and yea it's no fun to drop a starter on our cars.
A free running test of a starter doesn't mean much. It needs to be tested under load.
That's my question too. Other than installing it and running it.
My Son, a GM Engineer, sent me the instructions to shim it - my gut is telling me it is a little tight and needs a shim. I have it at a shop now. He's gonna 'go over it' and make sure it's greased properly. He says it happens a lot - maybe yes, maybe no.
I think you got a bad starter.
I have that one in my Nova 5.3 swap. Works fine, but certainly isn’t as sweet sounding as my C5 starter.
Also used that Bosch on a buddies 408. It works, but sounds like ****.
Can you simply return it?
On my C5, I took the time to disassemble the orig starter when I was doing the 6.2 swap.
At 100k miles, the brushes were in great shape. The grease in the gear reduction section was dried up, so I cleaned and re-greased it.
I also replaced the solenoid.
Works like new.
BtW, you can also buy an AC Delco reman original. Summit has them. Same starter used on the Camaro. They work great.
Thanks Ron
I don't think I can return it. I got it 139 days ago plus I bent the + post on the SillyNoid. I'll just have to live with it - or use the 50K OEM one that works fine. I just wanted new because it's such a PITA to get at once all 10# of **** are in this C5# Bag. As you know from helping Mr Black.
I DID get my lid together and my belt on today. Trying to get a PS hose that doesn't rub the OKW pulley - Another 10#'r.
I have a C6 pan on my C5, makes starter work much easier! I gave Mr Black my batwing. His got a hole in it…..
That's a real sad story - but it IS Hot Rodding. **** Happens.
I am still following his lead - such a cool guy. LOVE his dry humor and focus. There are a bunch of other C5 / LSA Swappers but Mr B documented it all and that's a GOOD THING. He's been very helpful to ME personally - A Pioneer for sure. When the Phoenix rises - Look The F out. I bet he comes back bigger n Badder than EVER!
I decided to get this project running first - do the clutch, diff and TT later. In the winter I might hit you up for advice on a Different Oil Pan. I'm not totally in love with the BatWing design. - over engineered?
Back on task.... I hope to get my Starter back tomorrow. Will Def test with a shim.
I LOVE this place!!!
I have bad luck also with Bosch starter. Install new starter to my ls2, starter work when was cold but in hot its only spin "empty". Starter gear to move to flywheel. Then buy Delco starter and not any problem after that.
New Starter - Something Ain't Right...
