big block starter question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

willett · 01-30-2009, 07:33 PM

hey guys,

my starter on my 454 is starting to act up:

sometimes (seems more often when the engine is hot) the starter will click when i crank the ingition, and then go silent.

i have to repetidly crank it to get the truck going (when it happens)

am i right to guess that the starter solinoid is on its' way out??

Restrorob · 01-30-2009, 08:35 PM

That's what it sounds like to me, You could just replace the solenoid but I would tear it down and check the brushes and clean/lube it before doing just the solenoid.

willett · 02-02-2009, 07:59 PM

cool, thanks
how would i go about obtaining brushes?

**78 Big10 454** · 02-03-2009, 03:30 PM

Willett, when I was on the LAFD, I had the same problem with my 78 454. I asked one of the FD mechanics where they get their starters rebuilt. They turned me on to a local rebuilder. In four hours and $60.00, my original starter was rebuilt. First time I turned it over, it was so quick, I thought the starter would fly off the block! That was 15 years ago and it's still running strong.

willett · 02-05-2009, 09:13 PM

cool, maybe i'll look around for an electrical joint that does rebuilds!

andrewmp6 · 02-05-2009, 11:04 PM

Get a mini high torque starter or a heat shield i think summit sells them.If you got headers they bake the starter after a good drive.

willett · 02-05-2009, 11:09 PM

yeah i think i'll shield the starter once i've gotten it all yanked out and refurbed.

what do y'all use for heat sheilding

powerdriver 1958 · 02-06-2009, 08:03 PM

got headers on it??

01-30-2009, 07:33 PM	#1
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	big block starter question hey guys, my starter on my 454 is starting to act up: sometimes (seems more often when the engine is hot) the starter will click when i crank the ingition, and then go silent. i have to repetidly crank it to get the truck going (when it happens) am i right to guess that the starter solinoid is on its' way out?? __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

01-30-2009, 08:35 PM	#2
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: big block starter question That's what it sounds like to me, You could just replace the solenoid but I would tear it down and check the brushes and clean/lube it before doing just the solenoid. __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

02-02-2009, 07:59 PM	#3
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: big block starter question cool, thanks how would i go about obtaining brushes? __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

02-03-2009, 03:30 PM	#4
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: big block starter question Willett, when I was on the LAFD, I had the same problem with my 78 454. I asked one of the FD mechanics where they get their starters rebuilt. They turned me on to a local rebuilder. In four hours and $60.00, my original starter was rebuilt. First time I turned it over, it was so quick, I thought the starter would fly off the block! That was 15 years ago and it's still running strong.

02-05-2009, 09:13 PM	#5
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: big block starter question cool, maybe i'll look around for an electrical joint that does rebuilds! __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

02-05-2009, 11:04 PM	#6
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: big block starter question Get a mini high torque starter or a heat shield i think summit sells them.If you got headers they bake the starter after a good drive.

02-05-2009, 11:09 PM	#7
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: big block starter question yeah i think i'll shield the starter once i've gotten it all yanked out and refurbed. what do y'all use for heat sheilding __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

02-06-2009, 08:03 PM	#8
powerdriver 1958 Kid's Mechanic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 8,241	Re: big block starter question got headers on it??

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