Starter engages only after several tries

Aaarrghh · November 11, 2019, 11:15 PM

I've been tolerating this for years, because the starter always engages, albeit after 2 or 3 tries when the motor is cold. When it's warm, there's no problem. I'm wondering what kind of a job it would be to fix? The motor is a 1983 small block (Chevy).

As an aside, I finally was able to paint the hood. The old paint was badly weathered and had suffered from heat from the motor, over the years. Looks so much better, now! Since this photo was taken, I've also painted the right front fender, which you can see was dull and dark. The weathering was so bad the paint was pitted and washing wouldn't get the dirt out.

ClydesdaleKevin · November 12, 2019, 10:15 AM

Wow! That's looks great! That is one nice looking RV.

Kev

Rickf1985 · November 12, 2019, 11:21 AM

Sounds like either the starter solenoid is going bad or the brushes in the starter are worn. Either way the easiest solution is to replace the starter. I always suggest using a more modern hi-torque starter, it is smaller and uses significantly less amperage to start. Be absolutely sure to remove the battery ground cable before getting started on this job since the cable and wires down there will be energized.

LJ-TJ · November 12, 2019, 07:22 PM

Nice looking ride. For all the time it would take and the money I'm with Rick. Just replace the starter. Only take you about an hour.

Aaarrghh · November 23, 2019, 03:40 PM

Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on November 12, 2019, 10:15 AM
Wow! That's looks great! That is one nice looking RV.

Kev

Thanks, Kevin! It's taken some work.

Aaarrghh · November 23, 2019, 03:46 PM

Quote from: LJ-TJ on November 12, 2019, 07:22 PM
Nice looking ride. For all the time it would take and the money I'm with Rick. Just replace the starter. Only take you about an hour.

Thanks. I thought maybe just clean and lube the bendix gear, since the starter is strong when it engages, but if the price of a rebuilt starter is reasonable, I'll go that route. Haven't asked about the price yet.
-------
OK, I just got a little bit less lazy, and checked the O'Reilly Auto Parts website. A reman starter is $60 - cheap, I'd say.
Also on that page was the advice, " If the starter spins but the motor does not, the bendix may not be engaging fully. In either case, the starter should be replaced."
Rick is right - of course.

Rickf1985 · November 23, 2019, 04:25 PM

Most rebuilts are garbage anymore. Be sure you get a guarantee and keep the paperwork. Personally I will only install new starters for people. I do not want to do that job twice and the price difference is not that much. Your vehicle and your labor, your call.

Aaarrghh · November 23, 2019, 04:29 PM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on November 23, 2019, 04:25 PM
Most rebuilts are garbage anymore. Be sure you get a guarantee and keep the paperwork. Personally I will only install new starters for people. I do not want to do that job twice and the price difference is not that much. Your vehicle and your labor, your call.

Thanks. A new starter is only $78. And no I don't like crawling around on the gravel under the rig. Once is enough.

Rickf1985 · November 23, 2019, 04:53 PM

Consider what I said about the newer style hi-torque starters.The older ones will work but the newer ones will work better and use less power doing it. They are also a hell of a lot easier to put in since they are also smaller and lighter.

This is the type of gear reduction starter I am referring to. On this particular one you can clock the body of the starter to get better clearance from exhaust or other obstructions. Summit has a VERY good return policy but if you look around just be sure to get a brand name or a written warranty.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/tff-6584b/overview/year/1984/make/chevrolet/model/p20

Aaarrghh · November 29, 2019, 10:20 PM

Thanks for showing me the gear reduction starter. I thought since my rig is over 35 years old and the original starter lasted that long, a new replacement starter would be good enough, so that's what I bought. There's a lifetime warrantee. Now I know what you mean about the gear reduction model being lighter! This new one is truly heavy! Even the counter man exclaimed "it's heavy!' Might have to use a jack to hold it up while I align the bolts. We'll see. BTW, O'Reilly gives a 10% discount for military, and I used my reward points, so after the core return I'll have spent about $55.

Aaarrghh · December 27, 2019, 08:26 PM

Finally got the new starter installed, thanks to a spell of good weather. Wow, it cranks like a champ! The hardest part was working on the grass. Must've crawled out and under 50 times, for one tool or another or a different size socket. I did use a jack to support it while disconnecting/connecting the wires, and lining up the mounting holes. Also had to disconnect all 3 batteries and the hot lead from the solar panels, as well as the tranny cooling lines and some other stuff that was in the way, then put everything back together. So glad it worked on the first try!

Going to a vintage camper rally next weekend. There's still lots that could be done on this old buggy, but at least now I won't be embarrassed there by having to coax the starter to engage

LJ-TJ · December 30, 2019, 08:09 AM

Congratulations. Well done and don't forget pictures of the rally.

LJ-TJ · December 31, 2019, 06:48 AM

Not quite sure how to explain it. But when your scavanging around a RV salvage yard. Keep an eyes peeled for a Vinyl shower stall liner. There about 6' tall and 3'wide. All you need is one side of the stall. Any time your working under the rig you just slide the vinyl side under and bobs your uncle. It's great for sliding on under the rig. Plus when you drop your nut or bolt or cotter key you don't lose it in the grass. Works for me. Wish I could have found a picture. Here yeah go? http://www.theroadisourhome.com/2018/06/18/shower-toilet-build-how-to-van-conversion/

Rickf1985 · December 31, 2019, 09:08 AM

Buy stuff from Amazon, you would be amazed at the quality of their boxes! Open them up and they are fantastic for sliding on to get under things and they last a surprisingly long time. And you can fold it up, kind of hard to do that with a shower! :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao Although if you get the shower and keep the curved sides it will contain dropped parts and tools from rolling off into the grass. I always have a good magnet nearby for just such occasions.

LJ-TJ · December 31, 2019, 05:52 PM

D:oH! See that's what I love about you Rick. You always find the second way to skin the cat. :)rotflmao :)rotflmao

Rickf1985 · December 31, 2019, 06:59 PM

I always find the CHEAP way to skin it!!

Elandan2 · January 01, 2020, 08:55 AM

Except if you had to spend too much at Amazon to get the box. :)rotflmao

Rickf1985 · January 01, 2020, 06:28 PM

True, but that makes the box worth even more, at least you feel you are really getting your monies worth out of the deal. With no joking I have a big screen TV box I have been using for almost four years now! It has been wet, oiled and mashed but it still does the job. Some of those boxes are indestructible. And it was not even my TV! I scavenged the box from a neighbors recycle. :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao :)rotflmao