Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

[Gerard F.]

67 S/B. Starter engages, tries to turn the engine over and then I hear this clank, clank, no start.

The car worked perfectly last week. What could happen to the starter with just a week of sitting. Scratching my head.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

check to see if the starter came loose or the starter nose has broken

[Gerard F.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Holy Cow, Clem,

What can cause a crack like this:



On my way to the parts store.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

a engine kick back while trying to start the engine also do you have the brace to the block from the front of starter ??

[Peter L.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

There's something in pieces in there. Pete

[Joe L.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

There's something in pieces in there. Pete

Pete-----


Yes, I kind of suspect that the starter drive might have "come apart".

Jerry, have you obtained a new starter and removed this one yet?

[Gerard F.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Got a Kragen's one this afternoon, lifetime guarantee for $50. Can't beat that. Planning on pulling the pictured one and replacing it tomorrow.

One of these days I'll find a good 1107320 and do it right.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Got a Kragen's one this afternoon, lifetime guarantee for $50. Can't beat that. Planning on pulling the pictured one and replacing it tomorrow.

One of these days I'll find a good 1107320 and do it right.

do you have the front support strap on the starter as this keeps them from moving around when spinning over the engine ? i had a BBC engine kick the starter clear off of the block because it did not have the front brace. it can also bust the starter mounting flange on the block

[Gerard F.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Clem,

It has the front brace and the heat shield. Hopefully the flywheel is good. I had it specifically checked last year when the new clutch was put in.

[Michael A.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

If this were Name That Tune, Clem would win the prize. Pretty impressive. Bummer for you Jerry. When I first read the post I was ready to suggest that you must have something rattling in that old Samsonite. I only wish it were that minor for you.

The only question for you - is this another roadside adventure like your wheel bearing saga? I'm still marveling at lucky you were on that one.

Good luck on this ordeal and keep us posted.

Cheers,

[Stuart F.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

They are somewhat fragile. I busted one off at 100+ mph when a driveshaft let go. Busted the tranny ears off and the starter was hanging from the cable and wires - just enough that the engine would still start, but it complained a lot.

Stu Fox

[Ridge K.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

check to see if the starter came loose or the starter nose has broken

Nice call, Clem.
Is this a great discussion board,....or what?
Ridge

[Gerard F.]

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom Again

Well, I got the starter exchanged in the garage. Everything seems to be running fine. Car starts on about half a turn, no unusual noises.

Could not believe what the old starter looked like once I took it out:





The gear was broken as well as the hole in the housing.

Looking at this, I started to wonder where all those parts went. So I carefully cleaned out the flywheel area and ran a magnet through the bellhousing for the steel parts.

Found a few cast iron parts but no steel, mainly magnetic clutch dust.
So scratching my head, I turned the the starter on its nose and pounded it on the work bench. I think I found all the missing parts and than some:



Makes sense to me that the steel parts, would be drawn to the magnetic stator/rotor and screw up everything inside the starter. Hopefully, the bellhousing is clear.

Now that I have the car out of the garage, I can install my gararge door opener, which is what I started off to do this weekend.

Thanks all for the quick response and help,

[Chuck G.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Clem is very wise, grasshopper.

A little JB Weld should fix that starter up in no time.

Seriously, glad it worked out OK for you. You've had a run of bad luck lately.

Chuck

[Tim S.]

Re: Clank, clank, clank, no start-What's wrong

Gerald,
Now that you have repaired the symptom, you need to look into the problem. It is very possible the lack of a starter brace contributed to the failure. It is also VERY possible you have an issue related to engine tune or camshaft timing (sloppy chain). As mentioned, the failure is due to engine kick back. Hence, the starter being the weak link....BOOM. I have been in the automotive parts business for 25+ years and we see this from time to time. Not knowing the mileage and state of repair of your 67, it may be necessary for a little "quality time" under the hood. Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Tim