Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

[Russell Fulks]

Hello All,

I have a problem with my starter. First of all, when I start the car it usually takes a few seconds to turn over, and once it does turn over, there is a strange grinding noise for a second. It sounds like it's coming from the starter but I'm not sure.

Also, after letting my car sit for a couple of days, the battery shows 12 volts but the car doesn't have much cranking power. I know it could be the battery's cold starting amps but I just had it checked about a month ago and autozone said it was alright.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Russ Fulks

[Alan Dieterle]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

The problem of the grinding you here is that the starter motor is too close to the flywheel ring gear. This can be adjusted using a starter motor shim kit. The kit can be obtained at any good automotive part supply house. The improper setting can cause the starter motor to have additonal drag on it slowing it down. Also, you could remove the starter and have it tested.
As far as the battery going down to a lower voltage, there could be a slow drain on it. Try disconnecting the battery and let it sit for a week and see if the battery voltage has dropped. If it has the battery it suspect. If not you may have a slow drain on the battery. I would start at the altenator either remove it and have it tested or just remove the wires from it, reconnect the battery and test the voltage after a week.
Good Luck. Al Dieterle

[Alan Dieterle]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

The problem of the grinding you here is that the starter motor is too close to the flywheel ring gear. This can be adjusted using a starter motor shim kit. The kit can be obtained at any good automotive part supply house. The improper setting can cause the starter motor to have additonal drag on it slowing it down. Also, you could remove the starter and have it tested.
As far as the battery going down to a lower voltage, there could be a slow drain on it. Try disconnecting the battery and let it sit for a week and see if the battery voltage has dropped. If it has the battery it suspect. If not you may have a slow drain on the battery. I would start at the altenator either remove it and have it tested or just remove the wires from it, reconnect the battery and test the voltage after a week.
Good Luck. Al Dieterle

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

Al,

Thanks for the advice on the starter. Is that something that would move with time? Because it didn't start happening until recently. As for the battery, the voltage never drops. The voltage is at 12 volts, it just seems like it doesn't have enough power to turn the starter.

Thanks again,

Russ Fulks

[Russell Fulks]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

Al,

Thanks for the advice on the starter. Is that something that would move with time? Because it didn't start happening until recently. As for the battery, the voltage never drops. The voltage is at 12 volts, it just seems like it doesn't have enough power to turn the starter.

Thanks again,

Russ Fulks

[Craig S.]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

Russ - you may also have a defective bendix asm or starter solenoid, binding, causing mis-engagement of the starter drive gear with the flywheel ring gear. If this goes on long enough, you can damage the ring gear teeth, requiring replacement of the flywheel or ring gear, which does require separation of the bellhousing from the engine. You can easily inspect by removing the inspection cover and/or starter. Good luck!....Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: Starter Problem for a 77 L-82

Russ - you may also have a defective bendix asm or starter solenoid, binding, causing mis-engagement of the starter drive gear with the flywheel ring gear. If this goes on long enough, you can damage the ring gear teeth, requiring replacement of the flywheel or ring gear, which does require separation of the bellhousing from the engine. You can easily inspect by removing the inspection cover and/or starter. Good luck!....Craig