'66 orig small block starter rebuild

[Rob A.]

My '66 L79 has its' original (and I think unrebuilt) ..320 starter. After turning off the engine, with hot outside temperature, it sometimes struggles to turn the engine over when I go to restart it. What exactly should I look for in a rebuild kit, in an effort to fix the problem, and where might I find one. So far, I haven't found anyone in my area (S CAL) that carries one. I've been calling around looking for new bearings and brushes and haven't had any success.

[Rob A.]

ADDENDUM....

I'm not interested in having the starter cosmetically "restored" by anyone. I just want to replace those parts that might be causing the problem.

[Chas Henderson #28127]

Re: ADDENDUM....

Can you buy one at the local parts store, use the parts you need, then return the starter as the core. Might not be too expensive as it could be a $29.00 starter from the store.

Chasman

[Rob A.]

Re: ADDENDUM....

Chasman,

That's a good thought. I wonder if it would have to be another Delco starter for the parts to interchange...

[Dick W.]

Re: '66 orig small block starter rebuild

You will need a new set of bushings for the drive end and the communtator end plus a set of brushes. Take emory cloth and polish the communtator on the armature. You may have to undercut the insulators on the communtator slightly. If you do I have found a broked hacksaw blade does a very good job.

The Carquest numbers on the parts are

RX60 Brushes
X4349 Front Bushing .720 long
X4356 Front Bushing .500 long
X4378 Rear Starter Bushing

I am not sure which bushing that you need for the front, but at under $3.25 each, it would not hurt to order both.

[Joe L.]

Re: ADDENDUM....

Rob-----

1) Just about any starter that you purchase rebuilt for your application will be a Delco and it will have parts interchangeable with those in your starter;

2) Most of the parts that might be required in a rebuild are available from GM:

brush (4 required)------GM #1906495

frame, commutator end with bushing------GM #1974157

bushing, drive end-----GM #1923907

drive--------GM #10470757

3) Aftermarket kits are available; I've seen these in auto parts stores. I don't recall the brand name;

4) Generally speaking, even if you rebuild the starter with all new parts for the commonly replaced items (described above), I think that you're still going to have the same problem. However, it's worth a try. These parts are not too expensive.

[Rob A.]

Re: ADDENDUM....

Joe,

Assuming the problem I described is a result of high compression and hot temperature, what would fix the problem? The starter functions fine under normal conditions and only labors on occasion under the conditions described.

[Rob A.]

Thanks Dick.... *NM*

[Joe L.]

Re: ADDENDUM....

Rob------

I fought this same problem for years once-upon-a-time. I tried EVERYTHING to cure it. The only solution that was 100% successful was the installation of a remote (slave) solenoid.

[Donald M.]

Re: '66 orig small block starter rebuild

Rob, I had he same problem during hot weather. It turned out to be the battery. I had it tested hot and it failed the load test. New battery cured it. Just my $.02.
Don

[John O.]

Re: '66 orig small block starter rebuild

Hi Rob.

Just my 2 cents. I have a 56 chevy 350 semi-built engine. I was having the same problem.After driving awhile and then shutting off hot engine, it would drag when I tried to start it again. I solved my problem with a larger diameter battery cable. It cranks and starts quicker. Check your cables and maybe try replacing the positive cable and see if that helps. I know it help me.

Good luck.......John