Just what the title says, i have a 1987 camaro with the 5.0, ccc q-jet, auto tranny. Anyway the starter motor is disengaging prematurely, especialy after the engine is warmed up, and it is progresively getting worse. The only time i dont seem to have this problem is after it has sat all night and i am starting it up first thing in the morning to go to work. My chiltons manual says this could be due to weak drive assembly thrust spring, solution: replace drive mechanism, or hold in coil defective, solution:replace field winding assembly.
My problem is i dont know what the drive mechanism or field windng assembly are. Would it be easier to just replace the whole starter motor or would this not solve the problem? Also cost is a factor so if it is a lot cheaper to fix rather than replace then fix is my best option, any and all input is greatly appreciated!

 

First thing to do is check voltage on the purple wire at the starter solenoid. You need a MINIMUM of nine volts there for the solenoid to properly engage. If that checks out ok, just replace the starter.

Purple wire is from the ignition switch, hot with switch in start position. You will prolly need to draft a friend for this test.

 

Those parts are both internal, to replace them you are basically rebuilding the starter which not many people bother with anymore.
Do have headers? Could be the solenoid overheating from the headers.

 

Bad starter solenoid.

 

So when i check the voltage does the key need to be in the on position or start position? I hope its the on position because start sounds a little dangerous. Also if less than 9 volts then replace the solenoid correct?
thanks for the help

 

No headers, all stock

 

Disengaging prematurely? I HATE it when that happens.

It used to be that a starter could be rebuilt with a Bendix, brushes, and bushing kit for under $20, and you could add a new solenoid for about another $20.

 

To check voltage at the S(signal) terminal the key will need to be in the start position. Why dangerous?

Its going to be the solenoid.

Haha Vader I'm with you. For some reason rebuild has been replaced by rebuilt. I asked for rebuild parts for a friends master cylinder not long ago and the parts guy looked at me like i had a **** growing out of my forehead. "we have rebuilt master for 45 bucks, why would you want to rebuild?" Cause its three bucks in seals and twenty minutes work, thats why. They didn't stock the parts.

 

So i guess i should disconnect the purple wire from the solenoid befor testing the voltage otherwise it would try to engage the starter right?

 

That would be safe. If you are NOT getting at least nine volts down there, you need to find out why. Make sure the battery is fully charged for this test. (I really don't think this is going to be the problem though)

My best guess is that it is time for a new starter.

 

 

Well as usual advise from thirdgen is spot on!! Thanks everyone for the quick response, changed the starter (remanufactured for $40.00 and came with new solenoid) problem solved and i aint afraid of going somewhere and gettin stranded because i cant get my car started. I did have to put a shim in but thats ok,at least it starts right up. Thanks again everybody.