Starter problem help please

[derotoreut]

I thought I had a problem with my battery, but seems to be starter. Once in a while when I turn key I get nothing; not even a click. Lights don't dim; engine won't turn over. I have read several threads about heat soak, which may be my problem. I am running only a 305/350 TH with headers. When I rap on the solenoid it will start. What to do?

Many of you have gone to a high torque mini starter, and claim good success. My starter looks like it's almost new, but looks can be deceiving. I can't be sure of what PO did. Also, many seem to have used the F@rd solenoid to eliminate the problem.

I'm thinking of just replacing starter with high torque mini starter, but want some feedback from all you experienced folks. Help me out.

[oklalawnboy]

I use a gear reduction starter from a later model truck (upper 90's up I believe) You will have to get the special bolts, metric head but standard thread. They are a little shorter than the bolts you have now. It works great but with headers you should use the heat shield that comes with it.

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by derotoreut

When I rap on the solenoid it will start. What to do?

If you can get it to start by hitting it, (funny comment here) it needs a new solenoid. Many times the brushes will stick on the old style starters and a tap on the starter is all it needs to get going again. In either case you will need to replace or rebuild your starter / solenoid.
good luck

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by chevytruckluver

If you can get it to start by hitting it, (funny comment here) it needs a new solenoid. Many times the brushes will stick on the old style starters and a tap on the starter is all it needs to get going again. In either case you will need to replace or rebuild your starter / solenoid.
good luck

Thanks Trey. I was thinking that I may have to replace the solenoid. My only concern is that I don't want to do that and then run in to heat soak problems later and have the solenoid go again. That's why I was thinking about replacing the current starter with a high torque mini starter. I hear that once people change over to them they have been very pleased and never looked back. Any thoughts on this?

[reddog702]

I went through the same problem on my 63 (327/350). I tried the heat shield, it helped but not always. After lots of resrearch, I finally put the ford style solenoid on it and have never had a problem since.
This is a inexpensive fix $20 or so and easy to find parts. Good luck.
http://www.streetrodstuff.com/Articl...tart_Problems/

[chevytruckluver]

Reddog is right, its cheap enough to put on and then have no more worries. You would however have to do a slight bit of re-wiring and you will need to change battery cables depending on the location you choose for the remote solenoid.
I would also get a Motorcraft solenoid avoid using chinese parts

[derotoreut]

This sounds good. I will still have to replace my current starter due to the solenoid issue right? So what to do; Do I use the remote solenoid with a new high torque mini starter?

[a2tripp]

if you got the funds I would go with a mini starter, yes the solenoid will work and work good, but for me I find myself using the fenderwells and frame too much while wrenchin. the minis have way more advantages if you can swing it.

[derotoreut]

How do I properly spec out a new starter? I want to make sure I get the right one. After researching the block casting numbers, the engine in my '69 C20 looks to be 1980-85 era 305 cu in. I'm not sure what the tooth count is on the flexplate. It appears that I have an offset (staggered) bolting mount on the starter and not inline (straight) bolt pattern. Any ideas?

[cdowns]

i'd start by cleaning all wiring connections for a bright shiny metal on metal contact

[westgl]

I second cdowns,

Good Clean Contacts (Corrosion Removed from Contacts and dielectric grease added to contacts) and a good Ground are essential and reduce heat in an electrical system.

westgl

[reddog702]

Did you ever figure out what was causing the prob?

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by reddog702

Did you ever figure out what was causing the prob?

Have not figured out the problem. I figure its a solenoid problem. I am thinking of going with a high torque mini starter. I need help though making sure I get the right starter. Any help by anyone is appreciated.

[reddog702]

Do you have probs starting when it's hot or cold or both?

[derotoreut]

Problems starting both ways. Slowly got worse over time. Like I said earlier when I tap on the solenoid it will start. So that seems to be the problem.

[reddog702]

Like Cdowns says, clean connection can make all the diff, and thats free. Check this link and see if it helps.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=mini+starter

[derotoreut]

Thanks. All connections are good and clean. I have excellent grounds too because I custom made all new grounds. I have looked at quite a few starter threads on this site. If the mini starters can be used with both the 153 & 168 tooth flexplates then great. I'm not sure what tooth count I have in my truck. Like I said I have an early '80s 305 with 350 TH in my '69 C20. Looks like staggered starter bolting.

[hopped up]

Just happened to me at the gas station, hit the solenoid a few times and bam! Fired right up. Most likely from the heat, I have mine rapped too
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[GRX]

Hit the starter & it works. Classic sign of worn brushes, which are in the starter motor not the solenoid.

[derotoreut]

Looks like starter replacement is a must. Has anyone used the remote solenoid conversion along with a high torque mini starter? Or is it not necessary?

[reddog702]

I have never used the mini starters. My prob was fixed with the remote soleniod. By moving the 12 gauge ignition wire away from the headers, away from the heat lowered the resistance in this wire and problem solved. Your problem seems to be different tho. Hope you figure it out.

[oklalawnboy]

Here is some pics of the late model GM (gear reduction) starter on my 72. If you still have points ignition you would need the solenoid that has two small post. Mine only has the one small post since I converted to H.E.I. Either solenoid will work but you only use the one with HEI. You will need to get the special bolts to use the late model starter on your truck. They are shorter than regular starter bolts because the housing is smaller, plus the diameter of the old bolts are smaller too. The new bolts are metric head but standard threads. If you have a good starter alt repair guy close to you, he should know what I'm talking about. I got mine from Jeff's starter and Alternator service in Lawton Oklahoma (my home town). If you can't find what you need locally. I'm sure Jeff would ship you what you need. Hope this helps. Okay after typing all that, I realized I don't know how to post photos... I'll try and figure that out and post em on here Or I can send them to you by email.

[Warrens69GMC]

This is the starter I just put in my 89 firebird. So far, its working well.

You need to see if he has one that matches your block,flexplate-flywheel.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-CHEVY-G...sories&vxp=mtr

[oklalawnboy]

I guess I'm not allowed to post photos. If you want me to send photos to your email, send me one at

oklalawnboy@aol.com

[oklalawnboy]

see if this worked