<VV> Re: VirtualVairs Digest, Vol 13, Issue 10, Msg 7

[WillSmithTFPOCAllenTexas]

Ryan,

Disassemble the solenoid...be sure the disc in the solenoid is clean 
around its entire circumference so the electricity from the batt cable 
can go unrestricted into the motor lug AND the coil bypass lug...file 
it smooth and dress with fine sandpaper for longer life from less 
arcing...some solenoids allow you to remove the disc and reverse it to 
get extra life from it...also verify the solenoid lug that feeds the 
electricity down into the starter motor is OK...these can often be 
repositioned upside down to extend operating life...and clean the 
surfaces between the solenoid motor lug and the starter motor 
connecting strap...the easy instruction is 'disassemble all electric 
connections, clean them and reassemble'...the starter is just a High 
Torque/Short Run electric motor that is fed electricity by the 
solenoid...so as long as the electric feed is uninterrupted to the 
solenoid the starter motor should run uninterrupted, whether it is 
turning free or under load, i.e. engaged with the flywheel/torque 
converter gear. By the way, the starter will not 'pull back' when the 
motor starts unless you release the ignition key which turns off the 
solenoid...the Starter Drive contains an overrunning clutch that 
protects the starter motor from the high rpm of the running engine if 
the ignition key is not released 'in time'. By the way, in the 70s when 
I was teaching this stuff for GM we had 4 different strength starter 
motors for GM cars...the Corvair used the weakest...the 472 and 500ci 
Cad used the strongest [a hot 500ci 10:1 cr engine requires lots of 
starter torque to spin it fast enough to start running]. Be sure to 
keep all 4 ends of your batt cables clean so you can get full power 
thru the batt electric circuit...the cable end at the solenoid is often 
ignored as is the ground cable connection to the frame/body.

Hope this helps,
Will Smith, "The Fresh Prince of Corvair"
http://IndoorPS.com

Message: 7
Date: Thu, 02 Feb 2006 11:08:53 -500 GMT
From: Jim DeVries <james at devries.name>
Subject: <VV> Ryan's Starter - Body Panels
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Message-ID: <200602021557.k12FvWdl006753 at testbed.alpeng.com>
Content-Type: text/plain

Ryan,

I don't know that there's anything wrong with your starter.
There's probably just not enough no load on it to keep the
drive engaged. It's supposed to pull back as soon as the
engine starts, right? So if it's turning against almost no
resistance, maybe there isn't enough friction between the
flywheel and the starter gear.

Put the spark plugs back in and try again.

On another subject. Where's the best place to get the
"lower door skin" patch panels that Clark's used to sell?
They've discontinued them, and I'd rather not have to
try making that ridge with a hammer.

Jim DeVries (long time lurker, but Corsa member)
'65 Monza 110/PG