Expert: Rob Painter - 7/20/2011

Question
Hello Rob,
I had a problem with my starter motor last year( intermitent click on start up) so fitted a new(refurbished) starter motor from AC Delco. When fitted this also clicked intermitently so I decided to have my original starter motor refurbished at local scrap yard who recondition starter motors( the reason being I'm from UK so didnt want to wait 2 weeks for another starter motor to arrive from US ).
When this was fitted it worked perfectly and has done until a few weeks ago, when the same problem has started again. when you turn the key it will slightly hesitate /click but then start ok.It does this maybe one time in four and the other three times out of four it starts perfect. When this was fitted in October last year the mechanic checked the battery and all wires and they were all ok.
I've only done about 1500 miles since then.
I'm unsure which way to go now-have my old starter motor refurbished(again) locally or try another new/refurbished starter motor from AC DElco from US supplier?
Could there be any other problems or am I just unlucky in having two faulty starter motors?
Manty thanks for any help.
Andy

Answer
Hi Andy,

I know it's tough having an American car there as for parts. I am kind of amazed that someone actually can get the parts to rebuild a starter over there. I haven't rebuilt a starter alternator or carb for 30 years only because half the time the bushing on the end plate, brushes were no longer available and it is just so cheap to go new or rebuilt.

If all your connections are good, there is nothing else it can be other than the starter. If you had an anti theft problem, you would get no click, no nothing.

Generally, and please bare with me, like I say, it has been a very long time, a complaint such as yours might not be the starter itself and could be a separate starter solenoid, but I honestly don't remember if you starter is in one piece or two. The starter solenoid if the same as the common GM starter for 30 years is where the yellow or purple wire fits and if the same as what I am referring to has a screw on each side. Remove the screws, push in on the solenoid and rotate and it comes right out. The solenoid is what engages the drive to the fly wheel and when bad will do exactly as you are speaking of.
If you can't change it separately, go with AC Delco and that will take care of the problem.

Good luck over the pond!!

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