Starter is acting up

[kenn]

My deuce has been getting worse over time when I start it. As long as the batteries have been sitting on the maintainer, it does it way less, but is becoming more frequent. For a while it would not do it after running for a while or if it was fresh off the maintainer. So... here's what it's doing.

When I press the start button it will spin but I assume it is not throwing out the gear to engage. I'll do it a couple of times and then it will kick over immediately. There are a couple of things I assume I can try but thought I'd ask first. Is there a way to lube a sticky throwout? Could it be either othe positive or negative coming off the battery (or both) have corroded to the point they aren't carrying enough current? Or should I just go ahead and replace the starter solenoid and/or whole starter?

 

[Mullaney]

My deuce has been getting worse over time when I start it. As long as the batteries have been sitting on the maintainer, it does it way less, but is becoming more frequent. For a while it would not do it after running for a while or if it was fresh off the maintainer. So... here's what it's doing.

When I press the start button it will spin but I assume it is not throwing out the gear to engage. I'll do it a couple of times and then it will kick over immediately. There are a couple of things I assume I can try but thought I'd ask first. Is there a way to lube a sticky throwout? Could it be either othe positive or negative coming off the battery (or both) have corroded to the point they aren't carrying enough current? Or should I just go ahead and replace the starter solenoid and/or whole starter?

.
Have you considered taking the solenoid apart and lightly sanding the big washer inside the "tube" and then wiping it down and reinstalling it? Sometimes just turning the (heavy copper) washer over is all you need to do...

Whatever you do, don't throw the old solenoid away.
They can definitely be fixed.

 

[87cr250r]

Starters have a clutch between the motor and stater gear. When this clutch fails it allows the motor to turn without turning the engine.

 

[kenn]

I went out for a joyride and it started on first push. When I stopped and restarted still no issue so it's definitely an intermittent slipping/sticking thing. I'll try to take some time to disassemble in the next week or two.

 

[87cr250r]

You should probably order a drive gear ahead of time.

Delco starter drives

Premium quality alternator parts, alternator repair kits, starter parts and starter rebuild kits wholesale.

www.aspwholesale.com

I think yours is a 40MT but not sure.

 

[cattlerepairman]

Repairing/restoring/rebuilding the original is often preferred and can be way cheaper than alternatives.

IF someone wants to replace the original direct-drive starter with a modern gear-reduction starter, one needs a 39MT 24V 12 tooth starter.

Replacing my starter with a gear reduction style

i dont think the ring gears will hold up to the high torque

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[ToddJK]

Any update Ken? Other than the starter issue, how has the truck been for ya?

 

[glcaines]

If you don't want to fool with the starter yourself, you can always take it to a rebuilder. I took the starter for my FLU419 to a local rebuilder and he made it look like new and it works flawlessly and for a very reasonable price. It only took him one day for the rebuild and he installed a new solenoid.

 

[KN6KXR]

It's sticky. Gummed up with old grease, dust, rust, etc... When the batteries are topped it has just that extra oomph to get out there but if not it sticks.... sometimes. Take it off and clean it up. While you're there take a look at the cables and grounds and stuff why not. Hardest part about the job is taking it off and putting it back. Really not that hard if you can do your filters you can do this. The longer you leave it the harder it'll get worked and that is what will take it out.

Shoot. I'm 4 years younger than my deuce and it takes WAY more to get me freed up. Like 3 or 4 visits to the chiropractor. I wish it were as easy.....