Starting problem

[Joe R.]

Re: Starting problem

Thanks Paul for the information, but yes I was going to keep the old starter and eventually rebuild it, the rebuild kits are inexpensive at Chicago Corvette.

Ron,

Be careful with Chicago Corvette. I've been burned by them. I would only buy from them in person.

Joe

[Monte M.]

Re: Starting problem

Ron,

Is this starter on your 63?

Monte

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Yes Monte, it is for early 63 tanker......

Ron

[Bruce B.]

Re: Starting problem

Ron,
It sounds like I might get to see the tanker at Milford this summer.
As stated above a $5.00 remote starter is a very easy way to check the starter and solenoid.
Hook one wire to the small solenoid terminal closest to the block and the other to the large positive terminal on the solenoid.
When you press the button it will fire the solenoid and turn over the engine. Pull the coil wire if you don't want the car to start.
Good luck.
Bruce B

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Bruce,
Just let know when, your very much welcome to stop by.


Ron

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Paul, I took your advice and hit the starter casing a few times with a hammer and then turned the key, and guess what, the starter did engage with the flywheel and turned the engine over. So thanks for the advice!
I think I still need to check out the starter so it doesn't act up again..........
Ron

[Monte M.]

Re: Starting problem

Ron,
There is a very good chance that it was just luck. Something shifted enough to ground better or who knows what.

As you mentioned, there is a pretty good chance you still have some work to do.

Unless the starter works the way it should now. If it does work right, just go to your local parts store and buy a pack of starter shims. Put the smallest shim in between the starter and the block and I bet you never have a problem again.

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Good advice Monte, will do this week end..........only problem I have now, is a timing issue.............

Ron

[Monte M.]

Re: Starting problem

What is going on with the timing?
start with the specs of the motor, what kind of ignition, fuel delivery, what timing chain cover/timing marker, and so on.

When did it start? Has it changed? Break it down the best you can for us.

I am sure we can at least confuse you a bit more.

Monte

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Monte,
A little history, bought the car in 1968 with NOM, so I decided to put in a high performance engine, found a nice 301 that's been balanced and blue printed, the ignition was a Mallory dual point dist.

Just recently I decided to make it look more original and dropped in a stock dist. from Autozone.

with a timing light the mark indicates I'm at approx. 30 degrees after top dead center, the mark is almost at 12:00 oclock.

this is probably why number 1 and 8 cyclinders are not as hot as the other cyclinders and the lack of power.......

Ron

[Paul J.]

Re: Starting problem

Ron,
There is a very good chance that it was just luck. Something shifted enough to ground better or who knows what.

As you mentioned, there is a pretty good chance you still have some work to do.

Unless the starter works the way it should now. If it does work right, just go to your local parts store and buy a pack of starter shims. Put the smallest shim in between the starter and the block and I bet you never have a problem again.

No, there is no "luck" involved, his solenoid is bad. The starter needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

[Paul J.]

Re: Starting problem

Paul, I took your advice and hit the starter casing a few times with a hammer and then turned the key, and guess what, the starter did engage with the flywheel and turned the engine over. So thanks for the advice!
I think I still need to check out the starter so it doesn't act up again..........
Ron

Ron, that's great that little trick worked for you. The drive gear is getting stuck in the flywheel teeth because the starter solenoid is weak. Rebuild or replace your starter.

You will see this problem increase in frequency when the engine is hot, and this trick will get you back on the road if you're stranded. I learned this trick with my '78 while lying on my back under the car in a NJ rest area on a hot day. Not a fun day to be traveling in a Corvette.

Paul

[Timothy B.]

Re: Starting problem

How about a starter shim, don't you think that will do the trick..

[Ron R.]

Re: Starting problem

Thanks, will definely try the shims.....

[Paul J.]

Re: Starting problem

Thanks, will definely try the shims.....

If you've been reading this forum a while you'll know that I'm a big fan of shims. This is not the case here. A shim will help but it is not the problem. The drive gear does not have enough "umph" to get into the flywheel and rotate everything slightly so it can engage the teeth. That's why it sticks, and that's why after getting it to retract you can start the car. You can go on with the problem for a while, but the solenoid will eventually fail completely.

Treat the problem not the symptoms. You need another starter. Forget the shims in this case.

Paul

P.S. This is what happens when you don't shim your starter.

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