Starter ???s

[1968k10blue]

My current starter does not always engage and so I am thinking on getting a new one, definately not a spendy one. but I have heard that alot of people have starter issues when getting new ones so I guess my question is, what sould I look for when buying a new one?
the engine in my truck is a 350 from a 73 c10

[watash]

this may not be your problem, hot start, but go to "mad electrical" and look at their kit for installing a Ford starter relay.

[Tx Firefighter]

What do you mean by "it does not engage" ?

Do you mean it goes zingggg instead of actually turning the engine over ?

[MalibuVLX]

I'm in the middle of starter issues with a 406ci motor and can feel your pain. By not engaging??? Your solenoid may be bad. Easy fix. Did it work at one time and now works sometimes? If it did engage and work properly and has since started giving you issues, I would try to fix the existing first. If you have a good starter/alt rebuilder around, maybe take it off and take it to them to diagnose. Just a few suggestions. Sometimes new starters give more issues than the orig. Shimming, alignment etc.

[1968k10blue]

What it does is it TURNS but doesnt ENGAGE the flywheel, I know that the solenoid has issues when hot and I am thinking of doing a relocation kit, but this is a different story. either way I am getting a new starter and need to know what I need to watch out for when getting a new starter. I have heard of alot of ground bendixs lately through the thread

[Tx Firefighter]

Inexpensive fix.

Saves buying a complete starter for an isolated issue.

[bigmac73]

I would get your old one rebuilt, it will be cheaper than buying a new one

[1968k10blue]

how much do they cost to rebuild? and where would I get it rebuilt? my local oreillys sells reman units for $40

[1968k10blue]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Inexpensive fix.

Saves buying a complete starter for an isolated issue.

what is it?

[mac808]

Had the same issue a while back. Teeth were all rounded and slightly chipped. I bought a new one from DB Electrical based on suggestions made by many on this forum and haven't had a issue yet. Affordable and high quality.

Here's a link:
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-10547-...t-sdr0059.aspx

[1968k10blue]

does that price include a core? and do you have any heat soak problems with the solenoid?

[Evan's 1965]

I doubt you could get it rebuilt any cheaper than getting a new one. Can get a new/rebuilt one at about any parts store for $35-40. You could buy a starter heat shield if the new one acts up.

[MalibuVLX]

I had a heat soak issue with a stock starter on my dad's 83 square body. Went to a hi torque mini and it has done excellent. Barely hit the key and she cranks right up. If you are set on getting a new starter, I would recommend that direction. that's just my $.02.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

People having issues with new starters is from these $40 starters some are recommending. If you have any mechanical ability you can tear it down yourself & fix it. The drive like Tex shows is the culprit. If rest of the starter looks good clean it up, grease the bushings & replace that drive & you will be better off then one of the "remans" with cheap parts in them.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

People having issues with new starters is from these $40 starters some are recommending. If you have any mechanical ability you can tear it down yourself & fix it. The drive like Tex shows is the culprit. If rest of the starter looks good clean it up, grease the bushings & replace that drive & you will be better off then one of the "remans" with cheap parts in them.

Thank you. Well said.

[1968k10blue]

So what do I need to look for to make the starter engage more consistently?

[88Ironduke]

Ensure the new starter is properly shimmed for you application. Nothing worse than tearing up a flywheel and/or new starter.
Good clean cables and terminal ends. I stress the terminal ends as a cause for poor starter performance. While the cables look good on the outside but can have severe corrosion wicking/working its way inside the shielding. What looks serviceable may be less than ideal and cause issues. Good solid power and ground sources mean a starter does not have to work as hard to get job done every time done.

Molded/sealed cables are the way to go if not a purist. Stay away from the temporary terminals unless stranded on the road.

88Ironduke

[1968k10blue]

The problem isn't a connection (although it definitely wouldn't hurt) but the starter will spin but will not engage the flywheel. And this problem is actually worse when it is given more current

[motornut]

hows your teeth
mine was worn out ,tried a few starters beore i saw how bad it was

[1968k10blue]

I haven't checked but once again, it just doesn't make the starter drive pop out to engage the flywheel, it just goes WRRRRRRRRRRRR a few times then it will engage and start right on cue

[starterman99]

Sounds like the drive gear is slippingas mentioned above.It is a one way clutch meaning it slips in clockwise rotation and should lockup in counter clockwise rotation.when you turn the gear with your fingers clockwise you should feel resistance as it turns. If it spins easily with very little force like one finger it is worn out and should be replaced.the drive or bendix gear should be about 10 bucks.Not real hard to replace just pay attention to how the retainer and thrust washer are assembled when you take apart.

[Rocmonkey]

Originally Posted by watash

this may not be your problem, hot start, but go to "mad electrical" and look at their kit for installing a Ford starter relay.

Off topic a bit but... I saw this on an RV thread a few years ago and tried it on my 64 CJ-5 w/350 Chev. I could never get it to work. Thanks for the link tip cuz it sounds a lot better than GMs (although the RV site did say GM had used the Ford type solenoid setup in the past).

[motornut]

Originally Posted by 1968k10blue

I haven't checked but once again, it just doesn't make the starter drive pop out to engage the flywheel, it just goes WRRRRRRRRRRRR a few times then it will engage and start right on cue

may want to check shaft the gear slids out on,seen some rust up