solenoid question

[Werner R.]

the starter is 5 y/o and has an integral solenoid. i turned the key and nothing; no click no cranking, only the sound of the electric fuel pump. after a push start and a drive home, the starter works fine. visually, the battery and starter wires look good. it sounds like a solenoid. any other thoughts?? if i install a remote solenoid, how do i wire it?? is this worth it? i can replace the starter with a rebuilt unit for about $100, but the unit is hidden by the headers and when i removed and replaced it for my tranny rebuild 3 y/ago it was a pita. any thoughts at all??
werner

[Joe C.]

Re: solenoid question

Werner:

Try a remote starter switch. I suspect that the wire from the ignition switch to the solenoid may be marginal. Run the remote switch from the positive battery terminal, directly to the (not sure about the big blocks) purple wire on the starter solenoid. If the starter turns, consistently, but does not turn with the key, then you have isolated the problem to either the ignition switch, or the purple(?) wire , from the switch to the starter.

Joe

[Stephen P.]

Re: solenoid question

You can get a remote solenoid kit from Jegs or Summit Racing for around $30 including shipping. They come with instructions on wiring and include most parts. You'll need to buy a new battery cable to run to the starter from the remote solenoid. Do a search on the internet for remote solenoid and you'll find directions. It's a fairly simple installation.

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: solenoid question

As with most any electrical problem on a Corvette, don't forget to check the wiring harness connection at the fuse block. Poor connections can manifest all sorts of problems.

[Wayne P.]

Re: solenoid question

Big block starters work marginally at best. Headers add heat which makes them more marginal. I would have a good auto electrical shop rebuild it. The windings, brushes and bushings need to be near perfect. Normally a tap with a hammer will get you going or wait for it to cool off.