So I bought an 83 camaro 2 days ago, 5 speed 454 and it ran fine all the way from LA to San Diego but when I got it to San Diego a day later it wouldn't start when i turn the key it makes a high pitched noise kind of like a power drill. Sounds like the starter is getting power but not kicking out to engage the flywheel. Just wondering if there was anything you all knew of that it could be besides the flywheel missing teeth/bad starter solenoid. I'll post a video shortly.

Link for the video

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...formation.html



If the starter is free spinning then the solenoid is working because when it moves it, closes the contacts that puts power from the Batt to starter motor

The Bendix would be the 1st suspect in your case
http://www.howacarworks.com/ignition...he-bendix-gear
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/239600/

However if the starter is old ,probably be more economical to buy a new starter given other parts of it may be worn out as well ?

 

So I just jacked the car up and found that I have an unconnected grounding wire by the starter. Can't tell what it goes to, any thoughts on if it could be related to the problem?

 

Usually you will have one positive cable from the battery to the starter solenoid and one wire to the S terminal on the solenoid [a small wire] . Are these hooked upped.

 

I'd take starter off and test it. Hook jumper cables to battery and then see if the starter gear moves when spinning. Inspect teeth on flywheel and starter. I had a chevy truck that did that and sprayed wd-40 so gear could slide in and out easier. It worked then sold truck. Don't know if that trick will last last.

(dont forget to keep a hold of it when you test it)

 

Well the good news is I took the starter off and tested it, everything seemed fine. I also looked at the flywheel and from what I can see the teeth are all intact, bad news is I still can't figure out the problem. As for the wire it looks like all the wires are going to the correct place but I took a picture to be safe will post soon

 

No need.
The small purple wire must be connected correctly to the small terminal on solenoid the otherwise the starter motor would not be spinning over


]

 

So I bought a new starter and now it won't fit properly, the bolts have a bunch of extra room on them. I tried using washers as a shim to make it work but it's getting aggravating think I'll just take it to a shop and have them do it.