Starter Sanity check

[MrSharky]

Hey all -

So I'm hoping to get at this today..replacing my starter with an S440X. I've delved the archives, and I think I'm ready. Got the tip about the trigger being on the bottom spade... got the tip about the allen-head bolts, zip ties to remove the back bolts and a few others...and yes, battery's off, as is my alternator (more upgrades!)

So... just as a sanity check, and maybe because I need a little handholding... before I start unbolting bolts... can someone take a look at the attached pic, and tell me if I'm going at the right bolts?? I'd hate to get those off and realize they're wrong. I started on them, and they aren't locked up, so I'm hopeful. Looks like there are a few on the front end of the starter as well, but these two seem to be the main connectors

Thanks y'all - have a great Turkey day!!

Matt

[Emyers]

Matt,

Good to go.

Earl

[MrSharky]

Thanks!!

[THE1ST3]

Yes, those connect the starter to the bellhousing. You MAY have the original bracket still in place securing the other end of the starter to the block. If so, there are three bolts to be removed there as well. May be easier to remove bracket and starter as a unit, if it's still there. Mine was but, a coupla bolts were missing. Took a lotta wiggling to get that thing outta there. GL

[Scott Sislane]

How'd you make out Matt?

[MrSharky]

How'd you make out Matt?

Okay - so I got both units in - the new starter (SR440X) and the new alternator. It was a little dark by the time I got done (spent 2 hours looking for the right sized cap head bolt with minimal luck) so I couldn't really check over my work after I got done. After everything went in, I had to jump it to get it started, and sure 'nuff, it started up pretty good, considering it had been sitting for 4 or 5 days. So it idled fine for a bit - the "L" light was off, and all was well. But then I noticed that I had lost my rear tail lights (my "squaries" if you will....and I know you will) I pulled of the jumper cables, and Betty continued to run. After I shut her off and tried to restart her of her own accords, she said no-go. Nothing - not a click, not nothing. I'm guessing blown fuse, or I've completely screwed up something. Who knows... daylight will help...

Matt

Keep in mind that it was now about 5 p.m. Eastern time, which is about as dark as it gets these days, without that dang time savings. So I hung it up for the day, and grabbed a beer.

Tomorrow and Friday I start looking again at blown fuses bad grounds and mis-connected connections. Hopefully I didn't blow up anything too important or too expensive.

[Scott Sislane]

I bet you just have a loose wire if it started fine the first time. (how's that for optimism?) Working in darkness is a drag, and daylight savings is rediculous.

[MrSharky]

Ya - I'm pretty suspect of a bunch of wires - pretty much all of them. I know the blade that went to the starter "the trigger" was not right for the wire that was there - thinking I'll convert that to a loop & screw. Same with the ground on the alternator - didn't have the time to wire that up properly. Nothing that a heated two car garage (with a fridge) wouldn't fix.

cheers,

Matt

[MrSharky]

So - finally got to looking at it today, and everything is looking good now. Not sure what the exact fix was, but I'm thinking it's fixed. I shored up a few loosey goosey connections, tightened up some grounds, and got Betty up and running again. That new starter is da bomb!! Now she turns over every time, and I'm running about 13.5V at the battery... oh, and that L light is now off. My guess is that last time after I jumped it, it started up, but didn't charge up the bat'ry and so it was nogo the next time I tried. Today after I jumped it, I let it run for a good long time, and took it around the block, etc. to make sure the battery had good charge. Started up like a breeze after sitting for a little bit. Good to go.

Found that my tail lights are out though.... tomorrow I can check bulbs and such - the rest seems to be working. Well, there is an issue with my head lights - they appear to be on "brights" unless I pull the turn signal lever in - guessing that's the switch inside the steering column. I'll dig around to see what that is too.

Thanks to everyone for all the help!!

Matt

[Scott Sislane]

Great news Matt!