C1 starter motor trouble

[Don izzo]

My 1960 w/original cast iron powerglide has a starter problem. When I turn the key the stater motor will spin but it doesn't engage the flywheel to turn over the motor. After several attempts the bendix(?) will engage and the motor turns over. I suspect the bendix is no good but can't locate a source for a new one in any of my catalogs. Anyone know where I can order one? What is the degree of difficulty on the installation? Is it best to give the starter to one of the local rebuilders in my area to install the bendix? Have I diagnosed this accurately? Thanks for the excellent information as usual!

Don

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 starter motor trouble

If this is an original (number & date matching) starter, it would be an EXCELLENT idea to have it gone through by a local rebuilder.... OR, most major auto parts stores will sell you a rebuild kit if you want to do the job yourself--it's not that hard!

The rebuild kits give reasonably good instructions. Getting the armature cleaned up well, replacing brushes, the drive gear (if chewed) and other expendibles like leather washer are pretty simple chores. Typical rebuild kit will also give you a replacement return spring for the solenoid. If your original isn't visibly rusted/damaged, I'd refrain from using the kit's replacement spring as most are passenger car generic in terms of length and spring force.

BUT, I would closely eyeball the main electrical contact bolt in the solenoid. The hex-head serves as the switch contact and tends to errode with use (arcing). Most rebuilders take a good look here, and rotate the contact bolt 180-degrees to get on the fresh, unused, portion of the contact bolt's hex head surface....

[Don izzo]

Re: C1 starter motor trouble

Jack, I didn't check the numbers on the starter while it was out, I'm not that concerned, just looking to get the damn thing working correctly for the least cost and time! I take your post to mean that I can get the necessary rebuild kit at any local auto parts store? I hate it when they look at me like I'm nuts for even asking! Thanks for your prompt reply!

Don

[John H.]

Re: C1 starter motor trouble

Find a local starter/alternator/generator rebuild shop (with an owner at least 50 years old) - you'd be amazed what those guys can do if you just ask them; there are several "store-front"-type shops like that in my area, and they've built me some terrific oddball starters for non-Corvette project cars, for ridiculously reasonable prices.

[Craig S.]

Re: C1 starter motor trouble

I agree John, one here in Tucson is Luna rebuilders. You can get the parts for alternators, starters, you name it, for dirt cheap. I sought them out after 6 "lifetime" warranty starters on my 82 Chevy pickup at Checker auto, free replacement doesn't matter when they break down all the time and you have to keep removing them. $10 worth of parts, do it yourself (or go to a quality rebuilder in the first place like this) and end of story, another 100K of trouble free performance....Craig