Starter is intermittent

[dorcutt]

question of the day:

Starter is intermittent, some times intermittently won’t turn. It hear a clunk but it sounds like it’s not engaging. When it turns it turns fine. Dead spot? Click it a couple of times and it will turn.
Has a new style starter without foot switch.
More questions coming.

 

[Bill Hanlon]

Possible that the armature has a dead spot. Also possible that the starter solenoid is the cause of the problem. Put a test light on the big lug on the bottom of the solenoid and tie the other end of the test light to ground. Operate the starter switch until you get a clunk, but no turn of the starter. Keep the key in the start position. Is the light on? If yes, the starter is having problems. If no, the solenoid is at fault.

 

[vwnate1]

Take the starter off, disassemble it, clean it and hand polish the burned spots on the washer and contact posts inside the solenoid, replace the brushes , grease the bushings and re assemble it ~ this fixes 90 % of all starter woes, DO NOT turn/machine etc. the commutator ! .

If this doesn't fix it you've learned how to service it and they'll still accept it as a core .

DO NOT turn the old starter in until the rebuilt one is in and working to your COMPLETE SATISFACTION ! .

 

[dorcutt]

Thanks all, It’s on the to do list.....which is getting longer. But as you guys say it’s about the journey so will take my time.
Dave

 

[vwnate1]

Well ;

For fun go buy any old used take off starter and fool with it, you'll learn how it works .

When buying used starters it is CRITICAL to count the # of teeth on the Bendix ! .

Also look closely as the bolt pattern GM made several dozen different starters that will interchange easily as long as you make the basic match up .

 

[dorcutt]

Good idea Nate. Thanks.