Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks
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I could use some help diagnosing an issue with the starter on my 1931 Coach. The basic problem is that the starter does not turn the engine flywheel but is a little different than what has been posted previouosly in this forum. Here is the situation:
- The starter is a Delco Remy 714-L which I believe is correct for 1931 and is likely original to the car.
- I have completely disassembled it and have replaced the Bendix assembly with a brand new unit.
- The starter seems to be in good shape except perhaps for about 1/8 inch fore and aft play of the armature. I do not know if that is excessive and do not see any way to adjust it out.
- On the bench the starter seems to work fine. When connected momentarily to the battery it spins vigorously and the Bendix pinion gear extends as expected. The battery is brand new with 640 CCA and shows 6.3 volts on my multimeter. Battery cables are also new and are #2 gauge.
- When installed on the engine (with spark plugs removed) and voltage is applied I can hear the starter spin but it does not rotate the flywheel. The Bendix pinion seems to be extending but the flywheel does not move. From below the car through the flywheel access panel I can just see the Bendix pinion after the starter has come to a stop. It seems to be extended and engaged with the flywheel Why is there no movement?
- My only thought at this point is that even with no compression the engine may be too tight for the starter to move it. It was rebuilt several years ago but this is the first time I have tried to start it.
- The engine can be rotated using a 2 foot crowbar on the front pulley. It takes a firm pull but seems to move smoothly. With a 1 foot crowbar I cannot move it at all. Is that too stiff?
My next move would be to drop the oil pan and re-shim main and/or big end bearings but would be grateful for this group’s ideas before doing that. Thanks in advance for your help!
I use a 00 starter cable on my car but that's probably not your problem. I'd say your bearings have been set up too tight (not enough clearance). After dropping the pan, I'd loosen all the rod bearings, then try the starter. If still too tight, loosen the mains one at a time until it'll spin. I'd then adjust the mains, once those are good I'd do the rods, one at a time. There are many ways suggested to adjust the bearings so you kinda gotta figure it out, look at other posts and figure what works for you. If it's this tight cold, as soon as you warm it up it would be even tighter. When building an engine, I like to set the crankshaft on end on the floor and adjust the rod bearings before assembly. You can get all 6 equally set up equally because you have no drag from pistons the other rods or the mains to interfere with your "feel". Be patient, take your time, you'll get it.