Mysterious Starter

[Tom K.]

Hello All,

I pulled the starter from my 73 (LS4 automatic 11-28-1972 build date) Corvette this morning and replaced it with a chain store rebuild - that part went fine - it works like a champ.
I had hoped the starter was the original, but it obviously was not. The original would have been P/N 1108429 - this is a completely different number and the the date code has an extra character. I googled the number and only found it was listed as obsolete by Delco. My question is, should I just take this back to the store for my $15 core charge, or is this something one of the other guys could use? Im thinking maybe I could swap it for a rebuild-able 1108429 core if someone needs this one.
Please let me know your thoughts & thanks as always for your advice!


Tom Krause

[David M.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

That is a GM High Torque starter with the longer copper tube off the solenoid and the step down taper on the body...basically its longer than the low torque version. They are for big blocks and higher compression engines. The solenoid is likely a heavy duty version as well? Keep that wire loom clip on the solenoid.
IMO I'd hang on to it and get it rebuilt by a reputable starter rebuild shop unless you are bent on finding a numbers matching starter? Chances are the chain store part may not be as good from a quality perspective?

Allow me to ramble with more two cent common sense tips to keep the new starter and you happy....grounds ground grounds... did I say grounds. Clean all of them. The one from the battery to the frame and the one from the engine block to the frame. Any of the smaller braided cables in the engine bay too.

A new starter can mask weak connections and out of service battery cables(OHM them). Weak connections put an extra load on the charge and start systems. Which will reduce the lives of the starter alternator and battery.
Do all of the alternator connections as well.

All this preventative maintenance will ensure the system(s) is happy for many more cruise seasons.

[Joe L.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hello All,

I pulled the starter from my 73 (LS4 automatic 11-28-1972 build date) Corvette this morning and replaced it with a chain store rebuild - that part went fine - it works like a champ.
I had hoped the starter was the original, but it obviously was not. The original would have been P/N 1108429 - this is a completely different number and the the date code has an extra character. I googled the number and only found it was listed as obsolete by Delco. My question is, should I just take this back to the store for my $15 core charge, or is this something one of the other guys could use? Im thinking maybe I could swap it for a rebuild-able 1108429 core if someone needs this one.
Please let me know your thoughts & thanks as always for your advice!


Tom Krause

Tom-------


I can't find any application for it in any GM car or light truck. It might be for a non-GM application, marine, or industrial engine. It's from about the 1987-1989 period.

It's configured for use on a 12-3/4" flywheel application.

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Thanks David,

I had not considered it before, but I will definitely check out those grounds.


Tom

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hello Joe,

Is the 1998590 starter I removed incorrect for my application, or do I also have the 12-3/4" flywheel?
That may shed some light on the problems it was having turning the car over.
I assume it went through the rebuild process and purchased as a rebuilt unit, or it could have been a used starter. The P.O. on my car was very keen to save a buck - or even a nickle....


Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hello Joe,

Is the 1998590 starter I removed incorrect for my application, or do I also have the 12-3/4" flywheel?
That may shed some light on the problems it was having turning the car over.
I assume it went through the rebuild process and purchased as a rebuilt unit, or it could have been a used starter. The P.O. on my car was very keen to save a buck - or even a nickle....


Tom

Tom------


Please post some better photos of the aluminum starter nose or, advise as to what starter bolts are used. Is it two long bolts of equal length or 1 long and 1 short bolt?

Also, are there any part numbers embossed on the starter frame (the frame is the main barrel-like section of the starter)?

Your application uses a 14" flywheel (flexplate).

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hi Joe,

The bolts were both the same length - They are not inline they are offset. I will post some better pix after I get home.

Thanks again!


Tom

[Tom K.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hey Joe,

I could not find any more numbers on the body of the starter or anywhere else.
Here are some pix of the aluminum nose. Let me know if you want any more


Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: Mysterious Starter

Hey Joe,

I could not find any more numbers on the body of the starter or anywhere else.
Here are some pix of the aluminum nose. Let me know if you want any more


Tom

Tom------


This starter has the correct configuration for your application. The little that I've been able to find out about the 1998590 starter is that it originally used a different aluminum nose that was designed for 12-3/4" flywheel application. If that's correct (and I'm not sure it is), then your starter must have been through a commercial rebuilding operation and re-configured. In any event, the way it's configured now is just as it should be for your application.

Of course, this is definitely NOT the original starter but it's a functionally correct replacement.