C-3, starter question

[D S.]

1970 Corvette. I have a newly rebuilt starter and solenoid, new battery, all connections are secured to their respective posts but about 50% of the time it won't start. Each time when it doesn't start upon turning the ignition key I hear one click at the starter. If I put a commercial grade battery charger on the battery it will often just start right up. The ground cable from the battery to the frame is a good ground metal to metal. However....as I was going through the assembly manual tracing the circuitry I discovered that there's supposed to be a ground cable or strap from the starter brace to the right motor mount or frame. Could this be THE culprit or just one of them?

Thanks,
Scott

[Lyndon S.]

Re: C-3, starter question

Also re check that your connections at the side terminals battery are tight. a lot of times they get lose and cause the symptoms you describe. You might just want to turn them so they bite into the battery lead on the side post. They are notorious for coming lose.

Kelly

[D S.]

Thanks, Kelly. *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3, starter question

Scott-----

I don't know if it's THE problem. However, you DEFINITELY need that ground strap. I'd get it on there and then see what happens.

[D S.]

Re: C-3, starter question

Thanks, Joe. I was hoping you would chime in on this one and I agree. I ordered one along with some other parts from Dr. Rebuild. Quick side question: Trico wiper blade rubber inserts for 1970 Corvette. The 1970-1972 states that there are two ribs and patent numbers on them along with the Trico brand. I have never even seen one rubber blade with the Trico brand on it. On the blade holder yes. I bought a pair from Lyle Chamberlain. Where can a person find these blades?

Thanks,
Scott

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3, starter question

Scott-----

Unfortunately, for that question, I have no answer.

[D S.]

Thanks, Joe L. *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: Yup

Hi Scott,

Usually between the brace and the starter being mated tightly to the bellhousing and block, is enough to solve the missing ground wire issue.

But, the General put the ground wire there for a reason and that's for added insurance for a big power draw like the starter.

If the surfaces are painted or grubby, it could very well cause the issue you describe. The charger could be giving it enough of a surge to cause one of the mating surfaces to draw a small ark and let the starter engage.

Also, if you go ahead with the ground wire install, make sure that you install in the following order starting with the block, then the brace, a serrated washer, the lead and finally the bolt.

The lead end to the inside of the motor mount support starts with the bolt inserted through from the the forward face, then the lead, then a serrated washer and finally the nut.

If you have an AIM, then this is spelled out on page H254 At least it is in my 1968 manual.

The touch points between the brace and the block "should be" paint free and clean as well as where the lead touches the motor mount support.

I wouldn't rule out the ignition switch just yet either. Just because you here a noise at the starter when the switch is keyed doesn't rule out possible bad contacts in the switch.

Hope it's a simple as the poor ground.

Chuck

[D S.]

Re: Yup

Thanks, Chuck. The ignition switch is new, too. We replaced it to be sure of eliminating the sources of the problem. The engine was rebuilt about eighteen months ago. The starter was rebuilt about the same time. There could be a paint issue between the block and the where the starter mates up to it as the block was painted after rebuild. I don't recall any paint being in that area. I'm going to proceed with the ground cable from the brace to the motor mount or frame since that 1.)it still needs to be done and 2.) it's the simplest of the other alternatives. At first I thought I had somehow installed the heater fan ground wire to the positive post of the starter solenoid but after tracing wires by colors and sources I'm okay there.

[Chuck R.]

Re: I love a mystery

Keep me in the loop Scott, now I'm REALLY curious.

If you have an extra set of hands, you can always run a flat blade screw driver along the mating joints and see if you get any kind of response while the other set of hands hits the switch.

I'd pull the coil wire, set the hand brake and make sure it's in neutral before doing anything like that though.

That's a another quickie experiment that might solve the riddle.

Good luck with your beast,

Chuck

[D S.]

Re: I love a mystery

Chuck, I will let you know although it may be a after the Christmas holidays. Yep, I said Christmas not just 'the Holidays'. My Corvette mechanic will put it on a lift so we can get full visuals. He has a push button starter switch he attaches to the starter so that we can by-pass the ignition. He takes all the necessary precautions. I've used his services for many years and now he is wanting to retire from it. I got spoiled as he is cheap and sometimes does work for free and lets me use his lift and tools any time. His expertise will be missed and I have to find one like him. Not. Wish he'd sell me his '58.
Beast it is that I have. 454.