ok, my original starter in my 85 cooked, so I put in my newly rebuilt one, but the rebuilt one just 'clicks'. the solinoid pushes the gear out, but it wont spin. that was the same exact prob I had with the original!
I have the starter shimmed and it is definatly far enough away that it isn't binding on the flywheel. so what the heck is going on? how can I test the starter on the bench to get it to spin?

 

Alot of times when it "clicks" its from a discharged battery. Are you sure your battery is OK?

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'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey,
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JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
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'97 Bonneville SSE

 

ok an update, the gear for some reason gets stuck on the flywheel! so I guess it does bind up. but why!? the starter is no where near being too close, I've tryed changing the angle, shimming closer and farther. it just clicks and gets stuck on the flywheel.
perhaps the starter just isn't turning? how can I test the starter on the bench?

 

You have to send 12 volts into the solenoid and ground it somewhere.. it will give you a good kick if it isn't broken. I would assume the starter is good if neither it or the old one worked. Hows it getting "stuck?"

 

ok thats what I did, I tripped the solinoid but the gear just clicks over and doesn't turn. neither of them spin...

I think it gets 'stuck' because the gear jsut moves out but does not keep spinning so it jsut sits there. either that or the starter is not sitting perfectly parellel with the flywheel, and it gets bound up. but if i hold the key on it does not sound like the starter is trying to turn.

I guess I will try cleaning the armatures.

argh!

 

It sounds like the brushes are not seated on
the armature. Turn the armature with the
starter drive a few turns, and try bench test
again. Hint: Have the sales person bench test
the starter BEFORE you buy it.

 

I'm having the same problem with my car, but it's somewhat random, and usually only after the car has been driven and the engine is hot...

I'll get in, turn the key, and all I get is a click....usually, I can get it to crank after 3-4 tries, but it's damn annoying, and I'd like it fixed....


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Year: 1990
Make: Chevorlet
Model: Z-28 / IROC-Z
Color: Artic White w/ Gold decals
Engine: 5.0L V8 TPI
Trans: 700R4 Auto w/ Overdrive
Wheels: 16" 1992 Z-28 rims (w/ white trim)
Tires: Z-rated Fulda Extremos 245/50/16s (new)
Extra: Power options, T-Tops, Tinted Windows
Mods in progress: Borla stainless steel exhaust, Chrome Headers, Ram Air....