Starter issues

[lucusbumanlag]

I have a 72 c10 with a 350/th350. When I start the truck it makes a horrible grinding sound. The truck starts right up within a second or two but it makes that grinding sound. What could it be? A bad solenoid? Completely bad starter? Or just might need a shim job? Just wondering what you guys think?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

My first thought is shims. But if it worked before and doesn't now, then that doesn't seem too likely. If it were me and it's been a while since the replacement, I'd replace the starter.

Believe it or not, I had one experience where it was a bad starter AND battery. Seemed the battery wasn't providing enough juice and contributed to grinding. That was back in the day I thought a cheap battery works as well as an expensive one.

[franken]

Get under it, remove the cover and look when the gear engages.

[Custom/Ten]

First thing I'd check for is loose starter bolts. If it's not that do what Franklin said.

[Secret Squirrel]

When my starter went out it started with same symptoms

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I used to get one like that occasionaly back when I had a shop. It usually caused by the gears not meshing deep enough. Replace the drive on the end of the starter & make sure the bushings are good. Take a large rough file & go across the mounting surface of the starter. The metal gets pulled up & lowers the starter away from the flywheel. That generally fixes the problem. If you go to far which never happened then you can use a shim. These starters are not hard to work on yourself.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

I used to get one like that occasionaly back when I had a shop. It usually caused by the gears not meshing deep enough. Replace the drive on the end of the starter & make sure the bushings are good. Take a large rough file & go across the mounting surface of the starter. The metal gets pulled up & lowers the starter away from the flywheel. That generally fixes the problem. If you go to far which never happened then you can use a shim. These starters are not hard to work on yourself.

Especially with butt connectors. I had mine in and out three times to get the height right. The last two times it took 10 minutes each tops, and if I can do it........Didn't think to use a file.

[lucusbumanlag]

Ok thanks for all the feedback you guys. I think I might just buy a completely new starter and start from there.

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by lucusbumanlag

Ok thanks for all the feedback you guys. I think I might just buy a completely new starter and start from there.

If I did, I would buy a later gear-reduction type instead of the original. If you have an HEI or similar distributor that will be no problem. If you have an original style distributor, then you have to deal with the start circuit to the coil.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by lucusbumanlag

Ok thanks for all the feedback you guys. I think I might just buy a completely new starter and start from there.

Pulling that cover to see what's going on is a good idea as well. Not sure why I didn't do that. What is there, two bolts?

Note: Get a good starter (not cheap) if it comes to that. Like I said, I installed it three times with the last replacement. Heck, it might have been four times (twice for adjustment). Somewhere in the middle I replaced the battery with a GOOD one as well. I'm no mechanic, but solid juice to the starter seemed to have had some impact on the gears. Less drag I guess.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

If I did, I would buy a later gear-reduction type instead of the original. If you have an HEI or similar distributor that will be no problem. If you have an original style distributor, then you have to deal with the start circuit to the coil.

In what way does gear-reduction reduce gears?

[trapdoor2]

While your under there checking on stuff, check all the electrical connections and wires...including grounds. Poor/reduced power delivery can cause weak/short gear engagement, etc.

Grinding noises = bad juju. Dey say, "Fix me now! If dey stop: de gods have judged your wallet be too full!"