The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1953 216 Starter issues

Hello all,
I am experiencing some issues getting my engine turning on my 3800. In the 216 the starter spins but only intermittently turns the engine over, I am fairly confident that the starter is engages while the starter is spinning but little movement seems to be happening on the engine. Please see link to video:
Go VIDEO

I have already replaced the brushes and still no dice.

Thoughts??

I watched the video
But I am in a place with noise and can’t hear the sound

However one detail concerns me
Whoever is stepping on the stomp starter in that video isn’t doing the truck any favors

You must do just what the name implies
Stomp! On it
Push it to the floor like you mean it!
Do not gently press it down
That’s not how it’s suppose to work
Stomp! Hard every time

I think you might have dirty worn contacts under that starter switch or dirty brushes
But I didn’t hear it
-s

"You must do just what the name implies
Stomp! On it "

Where in a Chevrolet manual is it called a "Stomp" starter?

A "starter pedal" is referred-to.

If you have to stomp on it, either you have a temperament problem or your starter has a problem?

There is nothing wrong with the starter, electrically at least. The drive gear assembly has a one way clutch built into it that keeps from over speeding the starter as the engine starts. Your clutch is slipping both ways so the starting motor can't turn the flywheel. You need to replace the starter drive (sometimes called a "Bendix", which is WRONG!) Where are you in Alabama? I'm about 40 miles northwest of Huntsville near Pulaski Tennessee.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry! I'll get one on order. I'm in Huntsville!

Rocket city! I've got a few 6 volt starters on hand if you want to swap one out for troubleshooting purposes. Send me a private message if you want an email or phone number.
Jerry

CBall Looks like your starter drive may be worn out,I have to disagree with stomping the floor starter button,when it's in good shape a firm push is all it takes. If you get violent with it wear on that linkage will be worse. Those starters are extremely durable and even on 12 volt will last you a long time,can then be rebuilt and last a long time. A well tuned engine that starts easily will lengthen starter life. I don't aim to crank mine 40 revelutions every morning. I happen to live near the place that re-builds those starter drives they can do from a tubo-cummins on down to our 216's.

Thanks all for the helpful responses. I tend to agree with the no-stomp method, if the starter mechanics engage easily, why would I need to stress the system more.

My only other question at this point is I keep seeing two different starter drive assemblies for this truck, one that has about 3 spring coils, and one that has 5. I can't remember off the top of my head (at work now) which one is in mine. I will take my starter apart when I get home and order it up.

There is a different drive assembly for 6V and 12V starters. A 6V has straight drive lugs on the armature shaft and a shaft diameter of around 5/8". A 12V starter has spiral drive lugs and a shaft that's close to 1/2". Some 12V conversions retain the 6V starter- - - -which really spins the engine over fast. It doesn't hurt the starter as long as you don't crank for a long time. 6V Delco starters and generators have a black painted ID tag- - - -12V tags are red.
Jerry

After taking apart my starter it was indeed the drive clutch. I was able to spin it both ways and could feel the clutch skipping when I spun it so a new one is on order! Thanks!!

That's great news.

Very much appreciate your coming back and letting folks know a solution was found and what it was.

Dan

So after ordering several different parts from NAPA thinking they would work I ended up just trading in my old starter for a fully refurbished one from NAPA (Part#: RAY 2449651) for $68 which was cheaper than a new driver from any other place online. Pretty decent deal if you ask me.