Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Make sure you use jack stands and chock the wheels! I usually put a prybar in the teeth to stop the flex plate from turning while loosening bolts.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

btw, is the pic in your avatar your truck? cause either that's not a chevy, or it has a gmc front clip.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

OK ill make sure to do that! Thanks man!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Haha yeah that's my truck, she's a Chevy, just has a GMC clip. Confuses people all the time haha!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

ill post some pics here for ya :)

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/...j.jpg~original

Heres also another current project I have, but I have it sat for now. Need something daily first before this is finished, as I don't know if I feel safe in it being its a small summer car haha!

http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/...j.jpg~original

Heres more truck pictures

http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/...d.jpg~original

http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/...m.jpg~original

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Sorry about the sizes haha!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Okay. You can post. So can my grandkid. He's 16.

He helped me for a few years on the build while RAT was coming together. He's likely to get RAT when I go six under.

Unfortunately, he's more into Toyota 4-Runners. Got-a mid mileage '97 and dumped a hell of a lot of money that
he'd worked hard to save fixing overheating problems.

I'm going to take a little liberty here...assume you are a young man....don't know if you ever said that or if you were
of the fairer gender... so I write as if you were my grandson.

I hear him say all the time, "I can't do this because....". I tell him, "That's right". "If you think you can't do it, and
don't try, then you really can't."

So, when I read your posts (first of all, to me "Urgent" gets me all worried and pulling out the trailer or bandages.....
....so, URGENT, in my book, is not the best word for your situation), I see that you are pretty clear on some issues that
you "can't" do. Snow, storage, money, etc. That pretty much tells me that you don't need to drive your truck to perform
your real life chores.

I don't want to sound like the old man I am, but I remember soooo many times I HAD to get my broken vehicle running
on a Sunday night when it was raining, snowing, and/or getting dark. Either fix it, or not get to work Monday morning in
order to feed the hungry birds in my nest. ..Then again I *had to*...I think that, thankfully, you are not in that situation.

But, I have to say to you, "sack up".

You want to keep that truck? Or get something else that's over 20 years old? (BTW, that might be a '95...not a classic, right?).
Find a place to work on that truck. Out of the snow. Find out what's broken.

If you don't know what part is the transmission, and what's the torque converter, and there's no one in the area that will climb
under there with you? You have us to help...Pics, pics, pics.

Need a book? I have one. I have a few. One or more of us always have spares.

If you're soloing, and do "take a breath" before you start the search... and still buy a worse truck or a "Classic '87 Buick Regal Lead Sled",
so be it. I've done more stupid things in my life. That's the Darwinian Learning Curve.

Better, if you find that the alt., which SHOULD NOT move an inch, :jdp: can be secured, and that positive lead from the battery to the starter
that's hanging next to your passenger side exhaust header is not arching, and you climb under and find a cracked flex plate, broken nose
on the starter, or a burned out solenoid, like in the pictures, and you ACTUALLY ISOLATE the problem....you'll be so much better off than
anything else you could do to rectify the situation.

If you pull a flex plate from a junker, or find a matching one...or need a book. Or need a starter...And you get to that knowledge on your own
or with hands-on volunteer help, and you don't have the dough to get the parts (let's say, you DON'T buy a $1,200 cracked frame money-pit),
let me know.

We all need help some times. Not necessarily "URGENT" help.
But, I'm a grandpa. I can help.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Solid words from M17 . ;)

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

wow man, Thanks so much for that!!! I guess me using the word urgent was a word that my brain just came up with since I was so worried and still kind of am. I'm trying to find places to work on the truck, but I don't have a job at the moment. Come May I will have a job at a junkyard, but I cant find a place to work on my truck where I wouldn't have to pay the money I have saved to parts for the truck. The $1200 truck I was either going to fix the cracked frame or just scavenge the full truck for the parts I need for body and or mechanics. I know some basic parts, like I've done oil and filter changes before, but I'm still new to working on them. Like I know what a transmission looks like and all. I'm just not great at fixing problems. There's also many parts I don't know exactly what they do or where they are and what they look at, but I've never really had the experience of fully working on a car myself before. Only my dad telling me things when I was around 9 or 10, but I didn't understand what he'd talk about. My parents are also pressuring me about it. My dad never liked my truck, and my mom likes it, but they are both bringing me down saying "I can't do it" or "you should just sell it". My dad hates the truck, not 67-72 trucks. But just mine. Again I thank you so much for the help. I don't know what else to say.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Be sure to disconnect your battery prior to removing your starter.
And I'm sure that there is someone locally that could help you out. Don't be afraid to ask a friends dad uncle etc. Some people such as many on this board enjoy working on the trucks.
Get yourself a 67-72 repair manual. Money well invested.
Can't wait to hear what the outcome is. Sent u my phone number on a pm. Feel free to call with any ?s. We were all 16 once so know what position you are in. Good luck

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thanks a ton man! Ill be sure to do so!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

just take everyone's advise and look under your truck. check the starter for loose bolts ,broken nose cone or bad flywheel . its all an easy fix.....have fun with your truck....

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thank you man! Ill definetly do so when im able!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

I remember when i first got ol' Susan.. I was sixteen and had the baddest truck in the school parking lot. Had no idea what i was doing! When i decided to throw her in reverse at 25 mph with my wheels still spinning for all my "buddies" (they seem to disappear when crap hits the fan) i blew up the linkage on my tranny.. glad it was only that. I stayed up all sunday night under that truck in the driveway i needed it for school the next day. I am only 18 now but i have learned in these two years of wrenchin more than i could have ever thought. I would get so angry at the damn thing and then remember why i bought it(and why i use a '74 Zenith Phono everyday) I love Vintage stuff. I would often find myself telling.. myself to calmdown and take a breath. If I truly did appreciate these old chev's i would need to learn a thing or to. Started going to the junkyard to practice on their stuff, started buying books, started practicing on my own truck, and before you knew it two years had gone by. Ive rebuilt 2 Engines, countless brake jobs, countless starters, packed wheel bearings, replaced axle seals, and rebult a rearend. Hell I just did the brakes on my jeep today.(not mentioning the stripped out caliper bolt threads...) I still have tons to learn, and a big part of that is patience. True appreciation of vehicles and working on them requires patience. Dont sell that truck because of a 50 or 60 dollar job, learn from that job. And after you fix it youl think shoot, I did that? What else can I do? That is a very nice truck by the way. You are just starting out and that is perfectly fine we all needed help at one point.. at least you found this site early on! I didnt have this resource until last summer! Good Luck! Remember if you have any questions this is the single most helpful place out there! Have fun with it and dont give up!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thank you man!!! I appreciate it a ton!!! Im doing my best to keep the truck. My problem is i might not be able to keep it in my driveway to do work. Its currently parked in the street, which I cannot legally do work on it in the street here.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

One other bit of advice. Since you aren't sure of yourself under the hood yet. Get a membership to AAA Plus - free towing, free gas if you run out, free locksmith services......
I've used their towing services several times. It is invaluable to people who drive older vehicles. I buy them as Xmas gifts to family members.
So far this year I've had a towed 2012 passat, towed 68 Camaro 80 miles one way
Keys locked in an avenger and it's only February. All services were free.
Very reasonable fee for membership.

AAA Classic membership provides the basic membership benefits:
· 24/7 Roadside Assistance benefits

AAA Plus Membership
Upgrade to AAA Plus and receive enhanced towing of up to 100 driving miles, free emergency fuel (AAA Classic members get free delivery but pay for the fuel) if you run out, increased vehicle locksmith coverage, and more.

AAA Premier Membership
In addition to AAA Plus benefits, you can upgrade your membership to AAA Premier which provides one tow up to 200 driving miles per household, a complimentary rental car for one day (in conjunction with an authorized tow in Alabama), and home lockout service. AAA Premier also provides $1,500 Trip Interruption coverage, 24-hour global travel emergency assistance, and personalized concierge services, when traveling more than 100 miles from home, plus much more.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thanks man! Ill be sure to check that out!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Exaclty,if a little issue like this makes you want to sell you're in the wrong hobbie and driving the wrong vehicle.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

I dont want to at all, im worried i will have to since i dont have space or money to fix something liks this, yes a flywheel is cheap, but since i have no space i can legally work on it in, ill have to pay labor, which will cost a lot. Im still trying to find ways to get spacs to do it myself, so its much cheaper.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Many towns have rules on working on your truck but I'm sure a quick starter replacement no one would ever know. Most ordinances are to keep the guys from having a vehicle up on jack stands for days on end. Not for someone doing a quick repair of a vehicle. On a typical starter swap it takes longer to drive to the auto parts store than anything else.

It's much easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

Have you checked to see if the alternator is possibly seizing the belt?

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

The alternator is brand new so it doesnt look like thats the problem, i had my brother try to start it while i watched and it moved maybe an inch or two then jolted back to its spot. If its the starter itself causing the problem then i can fix that easy with no problem from anyone, but if its the flywheel i wont have space to do that.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

IMO it's a 95% chance it's the starter. 5% flywheel. However the more you try to turn it over the likelihood of damaging the flywheel increases.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thats good then. Im going to be sure to not start the car anytime untill i know whats wrong.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

All great advice from guys that have been right where you are. My last engine in my 72 was doing the same thing. It was definitely the starter/flex plate that were causing the issues, and after 6 months and 4 new starters and 2 flex plate changes I pulled the piece of crap 305 and "dropped" in a 454.
Also the only movement your starter should have is from the bendix engaging the flex plate

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

If you jack up the right front and put a foot long 4x4 under the tire it should be high enough to get under and pull the starter. If it is to wet or to cold you don't want to fix it bad enough. When I was your age I did my first motor swap outside in the winter. I can remember shoveling snow after school to find the parts and bolts.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Ok thanks for that info! I was kind of thinking I may just do a motor swap on the truck. it will definitely cost a lot more for a new motor and transmission, but my motor also has other problems. Has a ton of bad gaskets on the motor, oil leaks from a couple, I also have a broken bolt in the thermostat housing, and leaking antifreeze from somewhere. Might be cracked thermostat which costs almost nothing, but the bolts broken and I cant remove it. Or I may just keep it and see what happens. Apparently my transmission is new but it surely doesn't seem that way. I'm still thinking though. For now I'm keeping the 350. I just have to get it done soon, as I will need it to get back and forth to a job, school, and I just want the ability to drive the truck again. Ill probably end up getting the gaskets changed soon. I have my step brother who recently said he would help, but he's rarely free to do anything. Either way for now I'm keeping the 350, and I'm going to do this starter or flex plate problem. I now believe in myself. I'm getting that starter off no matter if weather permits it or not! I WILL FIX THIS

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Might be going outside now to take off the starter :)

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Well, the starter wont be coming out today unfortunately, but it will come out soon!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

oh gosh i know all about that.. i had to do my brakes in the snow. Every time the springs would snap off I would have to search in the snow for them... and your right i wanted and needed to to it so i was mostly un-phased by the elements!:metal:

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

That sucks man, at least ya got it done :) . I can't get it done today, its too late. Ill let you know when progress starts! Has an ice barrier around it so not much i can do, but i was gonna try haha!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

We must have a different meaning of the word urgent.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Haha I thought it was much more serious than it actually was.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Or you could roll it until 2 of the wheels are up on the curb if you don't have a jack. And yes, those abatement ordinances usually say you cannot do any repairs that disable the vehicle for 72 hours. if you just climb under it, no one will know

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Okay. I'm signing out of the thread. For now.

Would someone be so kind as to PM me when, at least, the starter is out? So I can happily keep
my earlier promise.

So far, after many years on the Forum, this is likely the longest conversation that's been the
farthest from a wrench that I've ever read.

No big deal. And considering the fresh face, and proper manners obviously owned by the P.O.,
it's still hard to keep coming back to a "Thanks, Man".

Later, Folks.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Hey sorry everyone ive been so busy with school i couldnt do anything, and im finally back under the car. I captured a video. It will be on youtube in a bit. Could help a lot more figuring out the problem. Not going to take it out yet because i dont jave time today, i have a band performance soon.. It will come put tomorrow if it doesnt rain

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

I didnt read the whole thread and somebody may have clued you into this already but your first video sounds like the starter isnt engaging enough into the flywheel, by one of many ways. Either the bendix is gone (its justa spring that wears out), the gear is stripped, or the flywheel teeth are stripped or your starter bolts just came loose! ..... if it was working fine the day before and all of a sudden you have a problem, I would bet on something came loose.

Dont mess with anything on top of your motor, it has nothing to do with the problem.... its the starter or flywheel... good luck!

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Yes i know, and thank you! I posted a video just now on youtube showing the area by the starter, heres the link. http://youtu.be/4jQ8Khx2MUM

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Flywheel looks fine.
Sounds like the Bendix drive in the starter is tired.
If you don't know how to replace the Bendix drive,
it might be easier to replace the starter.
Neither is real difficult.
My opinion, for what its worth.
Good luck.

Re: URGENT! Major problem! Need assistance!
 

Thank you! When i get it out i will post a picture