Hey, guys. I think my starter motor's toast. Battery has a full charge, accessories all work normally but when I spin the key, all I get is a loud "KA-CHUNK" and it MAY crank very slowly, if it cranks at all.


I was wondering what might be the best source for a replacement. I tried searching threads here, but "starter" yields too many results. I plan to rebuild (or have rebuilt) the original at some point, but I want something that works well in the meantime. Can anybody pass along their experience locating starters, along with any handy tips for the re & re? The car is a '69 4-4-2 with the original 400G.


Thanks for any info you can provide!

 

Napa shows high torque - Part Number: RAY 464800 for around $61. Then you can get yours rebuilt at your leisure.

 

I'd go through the wires first to be sure all of your connections are clean and your wires aren't corroded inside - check everything with an ohmmeter, or check voltages progressively at each junction point both cranking and not cranking.

- Eric

 

That's exactly what I want to do. I was just wondering if anybody had any experiences, good or bad, with any specific brands or suppliers.

 

Always good advice. That'll be part of the project. The wires are likely as old as the starter.

 

Rock Auto has four rebuilts and one new one. Be sure and check the freight because that can eat up the savings sometimes. Here is the link:

https://www.rockauto.com/

 

Thanks!

 

If you go with a non stock starter I'd go with a high torque starter. They never over-heat and the car starts everytime.

 

I had a local guy build my corect-numbered 68 442 starter with the best usa delco pcs he could get, and it was cheap and all correct including the support strap hole. PM me for his contact. Central MI area.

It sounds like your solenoid is just not making contact.

Buy a new Delco solenoid and a set of brushes and you can probably just refresh yours for cheap.

We used to just flip over the contact ring and terminal bolt inside to double the life of the OEM solenoid.

 

I used a Powerhouse I think it is. Bought off eBay for around $200. Good starter, smaller, more power and the wiring hookup is a lot better.

 

Thanks, guys.

Some good practical experience here. Octania, I'll be in touch for your guy's number. I may use him if I can't find anybody in Canada -- shipping might be a bit of a thing. Since the car's going to be down for the winter anyway, that might be the way to go. That way I'll have time to test and diagnose before I replace.

 

If you are interested in an original, I have two rebuilt 1108348 starters, one dated March 7, 1969, and the other dated May 6, 1969. $140 for either, plus shipping.


Randy C.

 

Thanks, Randy. That's tempting, especially since we'll be driving right past your place early in January so I could save on shipping, if you don't mind a drop-in. The date for the March one even lines up nicely (maybe a little bit late) too. Let me get in there and try to get an idea what I'm dealing with and I'll let you know as soon as I can.

 

Sounds great. A stop-by would be fun. Let me know if what I have works for you!
Randy C.