do these trucks eat starters? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1tonchevy · 01-20-2013, 11:06 AM

do these trucks eat starters? or am i just having the worlds crappiest luck with starters?

replaced the one that was in it when i bought it and it crapped out less than a year later, replaced it with another it caught fire, then the high tourqe the bendix isn't shooting!

and all the starters have been new!

ProStreet83C10 · 01-20-2013, 11:36 AM

are you taking the time to shim hem all when installed or are you just throwing them in and bolting them up. my high torque mini starter took about 5 attempts on and off to get shiimmed correctly.

1tonchevy · 01-20-2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProStreet83C10

are you taking the time to shim hem all when installed or are you just throwing them in and bolting them up. my high torque mini starter took about 5 attempts on and off to get shiimmed correctly.

shimmed all of them yes. and like you said it took a bit but we got it.

ProStreet83C10 · 01-20-2013, 11:55 AM

well then im clueless...only reason ive seen starts fail early is from improper mounting/shimming, which ive seen done numerous times.

donut · 01-20-2013, 12:24 PM

I'm leaning toward crappy luck. That said, I've only had 1 starter that I ever had to shim. Last starter I had fail was due to to much initial timing and backlashing it one to many times.

May also be the starter supplier having "issues". I burned up 2 fuel pumps in 2 mos. (stock re-man), changed stores, and the 3rd is going on 3 yrs now.

**hatzie** · 01-20-2013, 12:37 PM

Unfortunately most, if not all, new starters will be second-rate Asian garbage. The Asian units don't hold up in the CUCV either. There's a thread on Steel Soldiers about this.
The garbage cores have poisoned the re-builders supply chain. The consensus seems to be that you should get your old original AC-Delco unit re-worked by a local shop to have one hold up for the long haul.

1tonchevy · 01-20-2013, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

Unfortunately most, if not all, new starters will be second-rate Asian garbage. The Asian units don't hold up in the CUCV either. There's a thread on Steel Soldiers about this.
The garbage cores have poisoned the re-builders supply chain. The consensus seems to be that you should get your old original AC-Delco unit re-worked by a local shop to have one hold up for the long haul.

mine a rebuilt ones from a local guy... wondering if i should try some where else.

ont_guy_38 · 01-20-2013, 01:27 PM

I would be try getting one from somewhere else for sure...you have certainly had your share of troubles with starters for sure !!!!

1tonchevy · 01-20-2013, 02:03 PM

i just hope i can get my money back from this guy this starter is not that old.

zaccaglin · 01-20-2013, 03:16 PM

The trucks don't eat starters.. The idiots who over turn them at the carawash do...

Also if your using an autozone starter it may have a lifetime warrenty, but you'll spend your lifetime replacing it. I went through 6 in the two years I owned my dodge..
Posted via Mobile Device

INSIDIOUS '86 · 01-20-2013, 04:25 PM

I have the "spendy" autolite one from oreillys in mine after I had two of the mid grade ones one of which I had to mill down to get it to get a good gear mesh and the other fell apart down the road. Litteraly the back half of the starter exited the vehicle.

All these startes an flywheels are garbage nowadays. You can't even rebuild them to good cause the parts that replace them are garbage as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

S10Fan · 01-20-2013, 04:36 PM

I use Powermaster starters on my Chevys and have only needed to buy one for each truck. Yes, they're expensive but when I turn the key I need the starter to work. The master torque line from Powermaster will turn over the motor with less than 11 volts.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.co..._starters.html

INSIDIOUS '86 · 01-20-2013, 05:41 PM

Mine turns over with 8.5v but its also a 990cca battery lol
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86c20 · 01-20-2013, 06:25 PM

i have had to put 5 alts and water pumps in my dads work van. so yes bad batches of parts. change supplers and you should be good. my dads work van is a 95 g30 body on a p30 frame and you have to take half of it apart to get to any thing. its all day

83 Silverado · 01-20-2013, 08:06 PM

Are you running headers on your truck, you may be burning up the starter with the heat. You can look at putting a starter relay in, it helps get the amps to the starter for a hot starts. I had to do this on my 83, it fix my no start when hot. This may help explain.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...x/viewall.html

**LEEVON** · 01-20-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatzie

Unfortunately most, if not all, new starters will be second-rate Asian garbage. The Asian units don't hold up in the CUCV either. There's a thread on Steel Soldiers about this.
The garbage cores have poisoned the re-builders supply chain. The consensus seems to be that you should get your old original AC-Delco unit re-worked by a local shop to have one hold up for the long haul.

Ding ding ding!!! I'll go one step further, it's not bad batches or luck, they're poorly manufactured for a reason...wait for it...profit! The market allows them to throw piles of crap together, call them "new", and provide a lifetime warranty in hopes you will never use rather than acquire the proper parts, tooling, and labor to do it right.

I'd buy one from GM for a daily driver.

**78 Big10 454** · 01-21-2013, 01:32 AM

When my factory starter went south on me. I found a GM rebuild shop. Took them half a day to work their magic and it's been running strong for over 15 years.

andrewmp6 · 01-21-2013, 01:54 AM

If you have long tube headers the heat can shorten a starters life time.

motornut · 01-21-2013, 09:23 AM

When I did the 78 it was because it was starter wasn't engaging right
It didn't look that bad while in the truck
only side by side did I "see it"
no shims

**hatzie** · 01-21-2013, 01:32 PM

Wow. Got all the good outa that one.

geezer#99 · 01-21-2013, 05:53 PM

And all these comments and no one asked?
Are you using the brace on the front of the starter to the block?

01-20-2013, 11:06 AM	#1
1tonchevy C35 Crew Dually Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belleville Ontario Posts: 1,116	do these trucks eat starters? do these trucks eat starters? or am i just having the worlds crappiest luck with starters? replaced the one that was in it when i bought it and it crapped out less than a year later, replaced it with another it caught fire, then the high tourqe the bendix isn't shooting! and all the starters have been new! __________________ If it aint square, I don't care. 84 C35 CC Dually Project log... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414892

01-20-2013, 11:36 AM	#2
ProStreet83C10 Drag Racer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mason City, Iowa Posts: 1,276	Re: do these trucks eat starters? are you taking the time to shim hem all when installed or are you just throwing them in and bolting them up. my high torque mini starter took about 5 attempts on and off to get shiimmed correctly. __________________ Zach Hall 1983 Chevy C10 R/T: .194 60': 2.322 330: 6.379 1/8: 9.803 MPH: 71.37 1000: 12.781 1/4: 15.314 MPH: 88.79

01-20-2013, 11:55 AM	#4
ProStreet83C10 Drag Racer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mason City, Iowa Posts: 1,276	Re: do these trucks eat starters? well then im clueless...only reason ive seen starts fail early is from improper mounting/shimming, which ive seen done numerous times. __________________ Zach Hall 1983 Chevy C10 R/T: .194 60': 2.322 330: 6.379 1/8: 9.803 MPH: 71.37 1000: 12.781 1/4: 15.314 MPH: 88.79

01-20-2013, 12:24 PM	#5
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: do these trucks eat starters? I'm leaning toward crappy luck. That said, I've only had 1 starter that I ever had to shim. Last starter I had fail was due to to much initial timing and backlashing it one to many times. May also be the starter supplier having "issues". I burned up 2 fuel pumps in 2 mos. (stock re-man), changed stores, and the 3rd is going on 3 yrs now. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

01-20-2013, 12:37 PM	#6
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,941	Re: do these trucks eat starters? Unfortunately most, if not all, new starters will be second-rate Asian garbage. The Asian units don't hold up in the CUCV either. There's a thread on Steel Soldiers about this. The garbage cores have poisoned the re-builders supply chain. The consensus seems to be that you should get your old original AC-Delco unit re-worked by a local shop to have one hold up for the long haul. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

01-20-2013, 01:27 PM	#8
ont_guy_38 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,006	Re: do these trucks eat starters? I would be try getting one from somewhere else for sure...you have certainly had your share of troubles with starters for sure !!!! __________________ 1985 C10 2004 Avalanche

01-20-2013, 02:03 PM	#9
1tonchevy C35 Crew Dually Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belleville Ontario Posts: 1,116	Re: do these trucks eat starters? i just hope i can get my money back from this guy this starter is not that old. __________________ If it aint square, I don't care. 84 C35 CC Dually Project log... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414892

01-20-2013, 03:16 PM	#10
zaccaglin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Auburndale, FL Posts: 716	Re: do these trucks eat starters? The trucks don't eat starters.. The idiots who over turn them at the carawash do... Also if your using an autozone starter it may have a lifetime warrenty, but you'll spend your lifetime replacing it. I went through 6 in the two years I owned my dodge.. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Zaccaglin 1998 Chevrolet C1500 Ext. Cab 350 Former Rig: 1985 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 6.2L Detroit/TH400/NP208

01-20-2013, 04:25 PM	#11
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: do these trucks eat starters? I have the "spendy" autolite one from oreillys in mine after I had two of the mid grade ones one of which I had to mill down to get it to get a good gear mesh and the other fell apart down the road. Litteraly the back half of the starter exited the vehicle. All these startes an flywheels are garbage nowadays. You can't even rebuild them to good cause the parts that replace them are garbage as well. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

01-20-2013, 04:36 PM	#12
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,640	Re: do these trucks eat starters? I use Powermaster starters on my Chevys and have only needed to buy one for each truck. Yes, they're expensive but when I turn the key I need the starter to work. The master torque line from Powermaster will turn over the motor with less than 11 volts. http://www.powermastermotorsports.co..._starters.html __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

01-20-2013, 05:41 PM	#13
INSIDIOUS '86 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: washington Posts: 4,178	Re: do these trucks eat starters? Mine turns over with 8.5v but its also a 990cca battery lol Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511

01-20-2013, 06:25 PM	#14
86c20 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: edgartown mass Posts: 852	Re: do these trucks eat starters? i have had to put 5 alts and water pumps in my dads work van. so yes bad batches of parts. change supplers and you should be good. my dads work van is a 95 g30 body on a p30 frame and you have to take half of it apart to get to any thing. its all day __________________ 1986 c20 "the hillbilly" 350 sm465 3.42gears 21mpg at 70mph 1985 k30 "the ice cream truck from hell" no rust az truck 197-8??? c30 "ramp truck" 454 1978 monte carlo 350 350th with 2.73 gears. no rust. sc car

01-20-2013, 08:06 PM	#15
83 Silverado Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 78	Re: do these trucks eat starters? Are you running headers on your truck, you may be burning up the starter with the heat. You can look at putting a starter relay in, it helps get the amps to the starter for a hot starts. I had to do this on my 83, it fix my no start when hot. This may help explain. http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...x/viewall.html

01-21-2013, 01:32 AM	#17
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 838	Re: do these trucks eat starters? When my factory starter went south on me. I found a GM rebuild shop. Took them half a day to work their magic and it's been running strong for over 15 years. __________________ 1978 Chevy SWB C-10 2WD 454/400

01-21-2013, 01:54 AM	#18
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: do these trucks eat starters? If you have long tube headers the heat can shorten a starters life time.



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01-21-2013, 09:23 AM	#19
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: do these trucks eat starters? When I did the 78 it was because it was starter wasn't engaging right It didn't look that bad while in the truck only side by side did I "see it" no shims Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

01-21-2013, 01:32 PM	#20
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,941	Re: do these trucks eat starters? Wow. Got all the good outa that one. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

01-21-2013, 05:53 PM	#21
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,543	Re: do these trucks eat starters? And all these comments and no one asked? Are you using the brace on the front of the starter to the block?

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