Cranking problem

[Larry S.]

It's a '67, 427/400. I turn the key to crank, get one click from the solenoid and nothing more. Turn the key off, try again, and it cranks. Happens just about every time I try. What is getting ready to stop working?

[Paul J.]

Re: Cranking problem

Larry:

Sounds like it's your starter bendix. Drop the starter and check the flywheel teeth and the bendix gear. If your starter was properly shimmed these should be fine and it's most likely the bendix. It could also be your starter itself.

By the way...is your starter shimmed? Misalignment could cause these symptoms.

Paul

[Richard R.]

Re: Cranking problem

I'd put my money on the solonoid. Sounds like it is pulling up the bendix but not making the large contact that powers up the starter winding.

[Larry S.]

Re: Cranking problem

Larry:

Sounds like it's your starter bendix. Drop the starter and check the flywheel teeth and the bendix gear. If your starter was properly shimmed these should be fine and it's most likely the bendix. It could also be your starter itself.

By the way...is your starter shimmed? Misalignment could cause these symptoms.

Paul

Don't know, Paul; I've never been under this car, but I'm getting ready to find out.

[Larry S.]

Re: Cranking problem

I'd put my money on the solonoid. Sounds like it is pulling up the bendix but not making the large contact that powers up the starter winding.

Is there any way to test this?

[Gerard F.]

Re: Cranking problem

Don't know, Paul; I've never been under this car, but I'm getting ready to find out.

Larry,

If you know anyone that has a pit or a lift, It's a piece of cake to pull the starter and replace.

[Paul J.]

Re: Cranking problem

Richard's got the right terminology, I meant the solenoid, as well as the bendix.

I usually hook it up to the battery and energize it, but I've been wanting to try one of the auto part stores that has a tester. I wonder if they really work.

Of course, I've given you the short cut method. The real way is to check the continuity and resistance of the windings. Continuity is easy but I have no idea what the resistance should be.

As for getting it out, it's tight but no different than any others. It's a simple job like Jerry said. I usually use a jack and some blocks as a safety measure.

[Robert K.]

Re: Cranking problem

Larry,

I've had this problem also. I found the problem to be the large copper washer (conductor) in the solenoid. It builds up a oxide layer over time from coming into contact with the high voltage terminal from the starter and eventually doesn't make adequate contact. The "fix" is to take apart the solenoid and turn the washer around and reinstall. This worked well for me.

Just a thought........

Bob

[Jim T.]

Re: Cranking problem

Many years ago my 1970 I would get a click. Because of previous experience with other Chevrolets I changed out the starter solenoid and installed a new GM Delco solenoid. Still got the click.
Removed the starter and found I needed new brushes. Easy fix and it was ready to go.