Hi all,

For some time now, whenever I start the engine on my car, during the starting process, and for a bit after the engine has started, my car has made a strange groaning noise. I had suspected that the starter may be loose and got underneath and checked the bolts, they were tight. Has any one else had this kind of problem? The noise is brief, under a second in duration. Sounds kinda like Marley's ghost or some dam thing. Sorta embarrassing in a busy parking lot, although I'm not too sure how audible it is from the outside as it seems to eminate from under the floor boards. Any usefull suggestions, (I'm not up for an exorcism or any thing like that, LOL), would be appreciated.

Thanks!
T.Huck

P.S. Got me a new avatar. Ya like it?

if it just started making noise on an old starter, I would say probably either worn bushing in starter or maybe a weak bendix, not retracting properly..

Hi all,

For some time now, whenever I start the engine on my car, during the starting process, and for a bit after the engine has started, my car has made a strange groaning noise. I had suspected that the starter may be loose and got underneath and checked the bolts, they were tight. Has any one else had this kind of problem? The noise is brief, under a second in duration. Sounds kinda like Marley's ghost or some dam thing. Sorta embarrassing in a busy parking lot, although I'm not too sure how audible it is from the outside as it seems to eminate from under the floor boards. Any usefull suggestions, (I'm not up for an exorcism or any thing like that, LOL), would be appreciated.

Thanks!
T.Huck


Your ignition switch may be gummed up and isn't "releasing" quickly; causing your starter to stay engaged longer. Is your key somewhat difficult to turn? It should be real easy to turn and it should snap back to the "run" position easily.

The key is easy to turn and seems to spring back okay. it is an older starter I presume as it was on the car when I bought it. As far as the bendix not retracting properly, can a shot of WD40 or some such help it at all? Or would it require a new or rebuilt starter? I know that starters have to be shimed sometimes to make them align properly, could this be my problem?

Thanks!
T.Huck

The key is easy to turn and seems to spring back okay. it is an older starter I presume as it was on the car when I bought it. As far as the bendix not retracting properly, can a shot of WD40 or some such help it at all? Or would it require a new or rebuilt starter? I know that starters have to be shimed sometimes to make them align properly, could this be my problem?

Thanks!
T.Huck


Here's how it works. When the starter solenoid is energized a powerful electromagnet inside the solenoid's housing pulls the solenoid's plunger foreword which shoves the Bendix into mesh with the flywheel teeth. If the Bendix meshes too tightly into the flywheel teeth it can get stuck in those teeth and it won't draw back out quickly. I suggest taking the dust cover off, removing the starter, and taking the solenoid off. Then re-install the starter and pull on the plunger. The Bendix should easily enter the flywheel teeth as well as pull out of them. If the Bendix won't withdraw easily you'll need to add a shim or two between the starter and the block until the Bendix enters and pulls out of the flywheel teeth easily. A starter shim kit can be purchased at any auto parts store for about $5

but if its been on the motor for a long time,and never made noise, its more likely worn , and letting the gear move sideways..if you pull the starter off, you might as well rebuild it...its cheap, and easy...new bushings, brushes, and solenoid...here s a guide to rebuild a Chevy starter, its a Marine Chevy, but thats identical.. http://www.bluewatermarinesvc.com/html/gm_starter2.html...

Sounds like fish or toobroke have it pretty well figured out, and those solutions sound like what I would suggest as well. It all depends on what you see when you pull the starter. If you do end up with a bum starter, if it were me I would have the old one rebuilt unless its beyond all hope of economical repair. Had mine rebuilt about 15 years ago and its about the only original underhood gizmo I have left! In any case I hope you get it figured out and remedied. BTW, new avatar is looking good!

Big T

Sounds like fish or toobroke have it pretty well figured out, and those solutions sound like what I would suggest as well. It all depends on what you see when you pull the starter. If you do end up with a bum starter, if it were me I would have the old one rebuilt unless its beyond all hope of economical repair. Had mine rebuilt about 15 years ago and its about the only original underhood gizmo I have left! In any case I hope you get it figured out and remedied. BTW, new avatar is looking good.


Big T

Hi Big T,
I think I'll do as Mr. Slayer suggested, that is rebuilding the starter myself. I'm going to wait until it is a bit closer to failure tho.

My wife and I bought our daughter a professional grade camera for X-Mas, and she took us out and did a photo shoot,
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd376/tkhuck/KidsvisitJan2011140.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd376/tkhuck/KidsvisitJan2011160.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd376/tkhuck/KidsvisitJan2011157.jpg
I posted some others,(better ones) on the pohto thread on the C3 general discussion forum. You and anyone else please check 'em out and let me know what you think.

Thanks!
T.Huck

Oooooooooh. Your '71 looks real nice. And I really like the wheels.

By the way, rebuilt starters are pretty cheap. I just bought one for my '71 big block and it only cost me $50 (a Bosch no less). With a rebuilt you get a new armature, new field coils, new end bushings, new Bendix, and a new solenoid. In my case every part was new including the aluminum end housing and end plate. And the steel center housing appeared to be new as well. As cheap as they are I suggest buying a rebuilt and then every component is either new or rebuilt.