Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Stater not sounding right.

[Rustymule]

For the last couple of days the starter has been sounding a little slow. Both batterys check good with hydrometeor, but starter drawing more that 750 amps ( thats as far as meter will go). Pulling it out in the morning. Are parts available or whats the hot tip for a rebuilt one. Thanks

 

[KWentling]

You're local starter/alternator rebuilder can probably rebuild cheaper than you can buy a rebuilt. May just be worn contacts or brushes. LarryB's sells the heavy duty replacement contacts if that is the problem and you can wait on shipping. 253-272-1444.

Kim

 

[Howard Durand]

750 amps? That is unbelievable.

 

[Skydiver]

Just installed LarryB's contacts & solenoid last week. The only problem was I did not have a 12 point 10 mm box end wrench for bottom bolt of starter . So I used a 3/8X10mm socket on "1/2 of a 3/8 swival" Then stuck a flat head screwdriver in the swival and prayed. Very easy job. Just don't forget to disconnect battery cables.

Tim

 

[Rustymule]

I fixed it with a NAPA rebuild $175. 00. And came with the marine contacts. (just like the Larry B's I put in my old one. And I removed the Larry B's and put in the original back in before I turned in. ) The old one was dirty inside and was dragging real bad. Yes,they can draw 750 amps when you have 2 batteries feeding them. Of course it starts right up and only draws it for a second. I cleaned it out and it word fine but brushes were just about gone and I was down to one car so I just bought the new one. No telling how long it was going to take to find the parts and then take it back out and do the repairs. I just did it now and avoided the rush.

 

[Howard Durand]

Rustymule,



Glad to know that starter inrush can be that high. I am planning on putting a heavy duty contactor solenoid in series with the starter supply line. I was going to use the start line to the starter to pick up the contactor at the same time the ignition is turned to start.

Now I think I'll make sure the contactor is closed before the starter solenoid is energized.

 

[LarryB]

It's not unusual to see these starters draw up to 1,000 amps when turning over a very good 6Bta engine. That's why the batteries need to be kept in top shape.

 

[JoeMartin]

CHeck E bay also. I've seen starters for these there for 75. 00 new. Just another thought.

 

[LarryB]

Just keep in mind guys, when it comes to these starters, you get what you pay for. I've learned that the hard way.



Larry

 

[Howard Durand]

Larry,



Have you taken any constant current readings on one of these starters as it turns the engine? I know the inrush/starting current for any motor is very high but drops off quickly as the motor reaches speed. I am curious as to the continuous load it puts on the batteries.

As I recall, the book warns against running the starter more that 10 seconds or so at a time. That would indicate to me that these starters are not real robust. Fortunately, my truck always has started within 1 or 2 revlutions so the starter has not yet given any trouble.



Howard