Starter Issues? Need help/advice/opinions.

[imabozo]

Hi folks,

I'm having starting issues and was looking for opinions/advice etc.
I have owned a restored 70 R/T for a few years now and have never had any issues starting it until recently. The starter will crank the 440 over a few turns and then "disengage", sometimes making a screeching noise. I'll let off of the key, let the starter wind down and try again. I have to repeat this a few times until the engine catches. It's fine once running. I had it out for a ½ hour ride and had the same issue when I tried it again after the run. Same problem hot or cold. I don't think it's an air/fuel issue as the engine doesn't hesitate when it's running. I think the starter disengages the ring gear before it has has time to catch.

Does this sound as simple as a failed starter? Or could it be something else in the starting circuit not holding the solenoid in etc? The battery was fully charged. This has happened over the past few days, but I was pre-occupied with fuel/air troubleshooting to even think of the starter.

What are people using for a replacement starter motor? Do mini starters just bolt on the same or are there adjustments?

I'm no mechanic but I can do mild mechanical work.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve

[Pete in NH]

Hi,

it sounds like the Bendix drive in the starter is going bad. You can replace the drive or replace the whole starter. I don't have any experience with mini starters so maybe someone else will chime in. If I have a basically good starter, I prefer to rebuild it myself with a new drive and a set of new brushes.

[Back N Black]

I agree with Pete. I have the mini starter and no modifications, just have to remove the black plastic connection and will install with no issues. Just go to your local NAPA and order one for a 94 Dodge Dakota with 318 engine.

[myk]

Is it true there's only a 1/4" of clearance for the wiring between the starter and the block?

[imabozo]

Update.

Short Story
The new starter works better than the old! Multiple mistakes on my part during the installation.

Long Story
I bought the 94 Dakota starter and removed the raised terminal block as suggested. The original starter came off with no issues and the new starter fit easily, however it did take me a few hours (on my back) of trial and error to get the two bolts and wires connected again. I had the starter bolted in but couldn't get the wire connectors on the studs. Turns out the small stakon on the original wiring was too small for the new post of the starter. I had to drill that out. Next issue was that I never had enough clearance between the block and the posts to get the nut on the large post. So I had to remove the starter and pre-wire it before bolting it back on. It was now around 11:00pm and I ended up with the wire connected on the wrong side so I couldn't clear the block. Stupid mistake. Took the starter off again, re-wired it, bolted it back on.

Time for the moment of truth. Hooked the battery back up and turned the key and it started immediately!

The new starter is impressive. Lots of torque. Turns the engine over a lot faster. Not much clearance at the terminals but no issues after multiple test starts.

I'm quite pleased. Any of the issues above were my own doing.

Tips for other amateurs performing this starter swap:
- Remove raised terminal block as suggested by others.
- Prefit wire connectors to new starter posts, in case drilling required.
- Connect wires to new starter before bolting in place.

Thanks for your help folks; its certainly appreciated.

[imabozo]

Is it true there's only a 1/4" of clearance for the wiring between the starter and the block?

True. I did not have enough clearance to get the nut on the larger stud with the starter bolted in place. I had to remove the starter and pre-wire it. Plenty of room for the starter itself, but the placement of the terminal block is poor design. If it was lowered an inch it would make a huge difference.