Starter issues

[crazyb1]

Is the starter going south when it won't engage with the engine on initial startup? It makes a grinding noise like the teeth haven't engaged the motor. On the second or third attempt, it'll engage and the LT5 roars to life. Could low voltage also cause this. I only have 11K miles on this starter. Thanks for your help. BTW, on my previous posts (issues), the ticking sound from the bottom end is gone. She's all waxed up for the spring and other than the starter issue, is ready to rumble....

[jonszr1]

Did you put locktight on the bolts when you put the starter in? it almost sound like the bolts are working loose.either that or the bendix maybe going? hope that helps

[crazyb1]

the starter was put in by Aaron at SGC about 11K miles ago (previous owner had car at Aaron's shop) so I don't think the bolts would be the issue. It does sound like the Bendix is going bad. Can that be replaced or do you need to replace the whole starter? Sounds like a plenum pull either way. How hard is it to replace a starter on the LT5?

[jonszr1]

I just got done doing that on my red car . its not hard at all just take your time .I believe there is a thread in the archives. do you have a helms manual(big red book that looks like a lg bible)? just be carefull to dis connect all the connectors that are on the underside of the plenum before you try to lift it too far off. if you don't have a helms manual get one. good luck.

[1990 quasar blue]

How hard is it to replace a starter on the LT5?

Nothing to it.
http://www.bcvettes.org/?http://www.bcvettes.org/howto/

[RICHARD TILL]

selenoid maybe?? you might even be able to remove, clean, re lubricate and reinstall. i did that once to mine. the selenoid was sticking. i`ve even reused the plenum gaskets twice. the cost was nothing but time involved.

[jonszr1]

A little trick on the plenum is to use aircraft sealent . put the sealent on theinj housings then lay the gaskets on hand pres them to get good contact let em sit overnight then bolt on the plenum use no sealent on the plenum side .I have reused mine 6 times and still no leaks. the key is a thin coat on the injside. hope this helps.

[bldavis11]

the starter was put in by Aaron at SGC about 11K miles ago (previous owner had car at Aaron's shop) so I don't think the bolts would be the issue. It does sound like the Bendix is going bad. Can that be replaced or do you need to replace the whole starter? Sounds like a plenum pull either way. How hard is it to replace a starter on the LT5?
Pull plenum.
Disconnect plug wires.
Remove coil packs en bloc.
Unbolt starter.

Clean out all the crap that's down in the V while you're at it. There is a drain hole down there that can get clogged up. I used a little brake cleaner and an air hose to blow it clean.

Don't forget to check the condition of the PCV valve tubing while you're back there. If it hasn't been replaced, it could be getting close to that time.