73 starter brace and battery clamp

[Steve L.]

Both of these are missing on my 73 L48. There were no shims either.

I don't think they were there originally from the factory since this starter was never replaced. The nut on the rod that holds the the starter together is seized on the rod and looks like it was never touched. this is the nut the the brace goes on.

Anyone have any insight.

[Edward J.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Steve the brace for the starter is a must for GM cars, more than likely someone at some point had the starter out and did not re-install. They are there for support to keep the starter nose from breaking,it does happen from time to time .

Are you missing the spring clamp around the starter solenoid that holds the battery cable in place?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Steve,

I think this is the correct brace for a 350 cu in engine. The earlier 327 braces are a bit longer.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Both of these are missing on my 73 L48. There were no shims either.

I don't think they were there originally from the factory since this starter was never replaced. The nut on the rod that holds the the starter together is seized on the rod and looks like it was never touched. this is the nut the the brace goes on.

Anyone have any insight.

I think a second nut was used to hold the bracket.

[Steve L.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Thanks all,
My brain cells must be going, because I don't remember myself or anyone else removing that starter.

BTW, There is no info on the web on disassembling a starter to clean things up and check out the windings. I used an old "how to rebuild a SB chevy" book. It had a few poorly written and illustrated pages on starters but it was enough.

[Terry M.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

I can't speak for the 1974 FSM (I don't have one) but the 1968 to 1972 FSMs have an excellent section on testing, disassembly, and rebuilding a starter. I expect the 1974 version would as well, but I could be wrong.

We used to teach starter and alternator rebuilding as part of the electrical systems class in the automotive program at the college I am associated with, but that was about a decade ago. Now we teach the students about computerized engine controls. All the techs do today is R&R the starter or alternator. ALL the rebuilding is done at shops specializing in that.

[John H.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

I think a second nut was used to hold the bracket.

That's correct - the first nut is an integral part of the long one-piece 1/4" bolt that holds the starter together; a second loose nut is added to secure the starter brace.

[Terry M.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

And if my memory is right, there is a split lock washer on there also. Check your copy of the 1974 AIM though to be sure.

[Steve L.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Thanks Terry,
I bought both 73 service manuals when I bought the car back in 73. But these books were marginally better.

Where I had the problem was taking the solenoid apart. It wasn't apparant what lug had a wire attached to it inside. Taking the nuts all off would mean that the R and B terminals would fall off inside. Then I would have to figure out how it all fit back again without seeing how in went together first. Been there, done that in other similar stuff. A good picture inside would have been useful.

I needed to take the solenoid apart because the S terminal stud broke off when I was taking the ignition wire off. I took a 1 inch long #8 screw, put it on a lathe turned down the head as per original, shortened the length and put a dog point on the end, then brazed it to the terminal inside the solenoid.

Buying a new starter would be faster and easier, but where would the challenge be in that. I took detailed pictures of the inside in case anyone needs it.

[Terry M.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Thanks Terry,
I bought both 73 service manuals when I bought the car back in 73. But these books were marginally better.

Where I had the problem was taking the solenoid apart. It wasn't apparant what lug had a wire attached to it inside. Taking the nuts all off would mean that the R and B terminals would fall off inside. Then I would have to figure out how it all fit back again without seeing how in went together first. Been there, done that in other similar stuff. A good picture inside would have been useful.

I needed to take the solenoid apart because the S terminal stud broke off when I was taking the ignition wire off. I took a 1 inch long #8 screw, put it on a lathe turned down the head as per original, shortened the length and put a dog point on the end, then brazed it to the terminal inside the solenoid.

Buying a new starter would be faster and easier, but where would the challenge be in that. I took detailed pictures of the inside in case anyone needs it.

Hey Steve, whatever book works for you is fine. I like the FSM, but I have used them enough, although not in the last decade or so, that I am used to them.

I know what you mean about the solenoid. We used to take them apart and turn the contact washer around to get a contact fresh and dress the contact point for the S terminal. We rotated the big stud 180* for another fresh surface. Of course that was to keep the driver going for another 50K miles.

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Both of these are missing on my 73 L48. There were no shims either.

I don't think they were there originally from the factory since this starter was never replaced. The nut on the rod that holds the the starter together is seized on the rod and looks like it was never touched. this is the nut the the brace goes on.

Anyone have any insight.

Steve---


If the car was not originally built with the starter brace then it was a factory mistake. I really doubt that occurred.

The brace is still available under the original part number of GM #3965589. The starter through bolt with extension and integral nut was last available under GM #1931654 but it's discontinued. You might still find some around, though. Otherwise, it's likely available in the aftermarket.

[Gary R.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

I would use the bracket, we had a starter break the block at the rear mounting hole without one.

[Steve L.]

Re: 73 starter brace and battery clamp

Thanks guys,
I'll put the brace in and use the paper clip trick to see if needs shimming.