starter/electrical issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

14hatchie · 02-10-2018, 09:43 PM

Ok guys/gals, I have pretty much finished wiring up my 71 k15 with the classic update date series for AAW. My problem is when I turn the ignition on they only way I can get the starter to stop engaging is to undo one of the battery terminals. I can turn the key to the off position but it still wants to turn over. I do have the battery grounded to the block and also the frame is grounded to the block, could this be the cause? This is the first time I have wired a vehicle so any help would be appreciated.

harpo231 · 02-10-2018, 09:48 PM

start and run wires on switch backwards

14hatchie · 02-10-2018, 10:24 PM

Thanks I will try that

**VetteVet** · 02-11-2018, 02:52 AM

After you do that, check the starter gear clearance to the flywheel. I think it's too close, and the gear is binding with the flywheel, and won't let the bendix disengage when the key is moved from the start position to run or off.

A quick test would be to loosen the starter bolts a couple of turns and see if the condition persists. If it does not then you need to shim the starter body away from the engine block.

Another test would be to remove the battery cable from the solenoid and try to engage the solenoid, then shut off the key and check the solenoid to see if the starter gear was still engaged with the flywheel. You will want to pull the negative cable off the battery until you have the positive cable end,that goes on the solenoid, safely away from contact with any ground, and insulated from contacting anything that would create a short.

The correct spacing between the starter gear point and the flywheel is approximately
1/8th inch. I use a 1/8th drill bit placed between the gear and the flywheel.

14hatchie · 02-11-2018, 08:54 AM

On a side note, the battery post are extremely hot so ''tis may help y'all diagnose the problem, I appreciate the help already.

14hatchie · 02-11-2018, 09:00 AM

On a side note, the battery post are extremely hot so ''tis may help y'all diagnose the problem, I appreciate the help already.

**VetteVet** · 02-11-2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14hatchie

On a side note, the battery post are extremely hot so ''tis may help y'all diagnose the problem, I appreciate the help already.

I forgot to mention that the starter is the largest current draw on the vehicle. It can draw up to 300 amps, and if it is binding with the flywheel, or if the starter turns over more than 15 seconds, it will cause excessive heat in the battery and cause the posts and cables to be hot.

14hatchie · 02-11-2018, 11:26 AM

Thanks guys, hopefully get it worked out today

02-10-2018, 09:43 PM	#1
14hatchie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: brownsville tennessee Posts: 37	starter/electrical issues Ok guys/gals, I have pretty much finished wiring up my 71 k15 with the classic update date series for AAW. My problem is when I turn the ignition on they only way I can get the starter to stop engaging is to undo one of the battery terminals. I can turn the key to the off position but it still wants to turn over. I do have the battery grounded to the block and also the frame is grounded to the block, could this be the cause? This is the first time I have wired a vehicle so any help would be appreciated.

02-10-2018, 09:48 PM	#2
harpo231 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Lincoln City DE Posts: 1,292	Re: starter/electrical issues start and run wires on switch backwards __________________ Stan 67 swb BLU MULE posted via flip-fone

02-10-2018, 10:24 PM	#3
14hatchie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: brownsville tennessee Posts: 37	Re: starter/electrical issues Thanks I will try that

02-11-2018, 02:52 AM	#4
VetteVet Msgt USAF Ret Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 8,703	Re: starter/electrical issues After you do that, check the starter gear clearance to the flywheel. I think it's too close, and the gear is binding with the flywheel, and won't let the bendix disengage when the key is moved from the start position to run or off. A quick test would be to loosen the starter bolts a couple of turns and see if the condition persists. If it does not then you need to shim the starter body away from the engine block. Another test would be to remove the battery cable from the solenoid and try to engage the solenoid, then shut off the key and check the solenoid to see if the starter gear was still engaged with the flywheel. You will want to pull the negative cable off the battery until you have the positive cable end,that goes on the solenoid, safely away from contact with any ground, and insulated from contacting anything that would create a short. The correct spacing between the starter gear point and the flywheel is approximately 1/8th inch. I use a 1/8th drill bit placed between the gear and the flywheel. __________________ VetteVet metallic green 67 stepside 74 corvette convertible 1965 Harley sportster 1995 Harley wide glide Growing old is hell, but it beats the alternative.

02-11-2018, 08:54 AM	#5
14hatchie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: brownsville tennessee Posts: 37	Re: starter/electrical issues On a side note, the battery post are extremely hot so ''tis may help y'all diagnose the problem, I appreciate the help already.

02-11-2018, 09:00 AM	#6
14hatchie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: brownsville tennessee Posts: 37	Re: starter/electrical issues On a side note, the battery post are extremely hot so ''tis may help y'all diagnose the problem, I appreciate the help already.

02-11-2018, 11:26 AM	#8
14hatchie Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: brownsville tennessee Posts: 37	Re: starter/electrical issues Thanks guys, hopefully get it worked out today



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