Cascade Crew

Kage87Z · Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2008 9:23 pm Post subject: Starter issue.

After an almost 4 year absence since the fire, the 87Z is finally back on the road.

The ONLY problem is the starter.

Here's the issue:

Sometimes it won't push the gear all the way in, even though the gears are meshing.

Sometimes it engages, and the engine starts to turn over, but stops.

Sometimes it will engage, and turn the engine over and start it, but make a hellacious ratcheting sound in the process.

(It's not a power issue I'm thinking, because it acts the same with the battery by itself, or with a jump from my 200 amp alternator on my Bronco)

The starter itself has had very little use. When Bart was finished putting the starter together and in, it didn't make this noise. (http://www.cascadecrew.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1906&highlight=starter )

Until recently (last month or so) the car was just started every couple of weeks. And it didn't make this noise. Now, starting is an adventure that I don't want.

I put the car on the lift today and loosened the starter bolts; moving it away from the center, changing the axis... nothing worked, through the noise changed... it got worse.

HELP!

rjmcgee · The Hammer Joined: 08 Jan 2004 Posts: 2328

I think your starter is toast, kinda sounds like something is bent-loose-broken.

Also, when you put the starter in did you use actual starter bolts, or just regular 3/8ths bolts? Could also try and add a couple shims under the starter and see if that doesn't change things.

blue89 · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:57 am Post subject:

If it actually engages and goes though the motions I'd say its your solenoid. Pull that thing apart or get a new one. Either way, I'd take it apart.

Kage87Z · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject:

chevymad · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 9:10 am Post subject:

To me it sounds like the starter drive is messed up. It's a one way ratcheting clutch affair that the gear is connected to. It has some small ball bearings inside that are supposed to sling out when spun and lock the gear to the shaft. Alot of times when one sits alot the balls either rust or get gummed up then it makes a horrid noise on engagement as it grinds them away. I dont think theres any real way to fix it, other then replace the starter or disassemble it and replace the drive.