Starter Problems

[judsonhauling]

Dear Gents!  

 

Having some starter problems.  First is started with the stomp lever would stick to the switch and then draw a ton of amps until physically disconnected it.  That seemed to fix its self.  Well it happened again and I didn't catch it on my way to the office until I got there.  I man handled it off the switch but it KILLED my battery.  Any ideas?  And any tips on removing this SOB or it just slow and steady and a lot of cursing?

 

James

[JBNeal]

Starter removal is easiest after removing the floorboards.  But if the problem is just with the switch mounted atop the starter motor, the switch can be removed with a screwdriver on two machine screws without removing the starter.  The copper contacts inside the switch and on the starter motor can get dirty and may need cleaning with some emery cloth.  If the contacts are pitted or melted, ya might have to install a new starter switch.  I've found several NOS switches over the years on eBay for a modest fee, and the local starter/alternator shop has access to repair parts for the starter itself.  The replacement switches I found had an adjustment so that the button can be moved in or out for correct engagement of the starter switch.  I don't know if there is a pressure specification of the starter switch, so all I did was adjust the switch so that the pedal engagement does not bottom out before the switch contacts are closed.  But I also didn't want to accidentally engage the starter when I went over a speed bump and my foot accidentally touched the starter pedal.  So I figgered about 1-2" free travel of the starter pedal before the starter contacts began to close.

[Dodgeb4ya]

Sounds like your problem is that the stomp lever has gotten sticky and will not pop back up. Then it stayed down and caused the switch on the top of the starter to over heat and short out. I'd pull the switch off the top of the starter-2 litte screws and check it out and probably replace that switch.. It could have fallen apart internally and shorted out. I have replaced a few of them over the years on the dodge trucks. Also make sure the stomp lever is free to pivot- lube it up so it moves back and forth and pops back up on it's own. All this work can be done with out removing the starter. Except if the stomp lever return spring is broken or the lever is still sticky and requires pulling the starter to fix the issue.

Bob