2004 starter issues
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 547
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2004 starter issues
I last drove my 2004 a couple of months ago because the next time I went out to start it up the solenoid just went click as if the bendix engaged but the starter motor never turned. Battery voltage is good. An ASE certified mechanic friend says he believes the starter is bad.
The back story is that the PO stated that he installed a new Mallory starter shortly before I bought the car. I have started it less than 50 times since I've owned it. The starter always sounded like a huge, powerful motor that startled me nearly every time I cranked the car.
So my questions are twofold. First, what would cause the car to be eating starters? Second, what does the group recommend as a replacement starter? Is a factory unit adequate for a high performance engine (built LS2 with LS3 top end)? I have full length headers that are wrapped, and the starter itself is also wrapped in a starter blanket. I will install new cables when I change it, but what else can I do to make the new starter live?
The back story is that the PO stated that he installed a new Mallory starter shortly before I bought the car. I have started it less than 50 times since I've owned it. The starter always sounded like a huge, powerful motor that startled me nearly every time I cranked the car.
So my questions are twofold. First, what would cause the car to be eating starters? Second, what does the group recommend as a replacement starter? Is a factory unit adequate for a high performance engine (built LS2 with LS3 top end)? I have full length headers that are wrapped, and the starter itself is also wrapped in a starter blanket. I will install new cables when I change it, but what else can I do to make the new starter live?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,874
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From: North Coast
My first low tech deal is jack up the call and have someone try to start it. Tap the starter with a hammer. If the armature is warped a bit from the heat a tap will get it to turn often. Headers can do a lot of starter damage. Unless you really up the compression a lot a stock one should be fine. I often use shields vs wraps so air still can get around the starter.
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Moved to C5 Tech - good luck figuring out the issue with the starter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,117
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From: Espanola New Mexico
It could be as simple as the battery cable at the solenoid was not fully tighten when the starter was installed, I would pull the battery and have it load tested, most auto parts stores will perform this test at no charge.
