Author Topic: Starter clicking  (Read 1439 times)

Offline Cheyenne1010

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 60
  • Newbie
Starter clicking
« on: August 25, 2022, 07:50:12 PM »
I own a 73 c10 longbed 5.7 liter with a 350 trans.when I start the truck it will make a clicking sound,kinda like when the starter isn't shimed right and the gear on the starter is hitting the flywheel.it'll start after a couple of clicks and this happens in the morning and after I've been driving it.the starter is brand new not rebuilt,the battery is new and so are the starter cable and the ground cable.the starter is shimmed right,so my next move I'm think is to replace the ignition switch that's on the steering column.any words of wisdom on this subject will be greatly appreciated,thanks guys.

Online VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18980
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2022, 04:11:44 AM »
Recheck all of your connections. Where is your engine block ground connection?
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Shifty

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 937
  • I bleed Bowtie red...
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2022, 09:09:28 AM »
Keep in mind that most new starters are from China, or from Chinese components....that being said, make sure that you are getting 12v at your solenoid, and that it's not cracked. 
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6438
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2022, 09:34:23 AM »
In addition to the posted recommendations above, remove the stamped steel flexplate cover and peer up at the face of the flexplate using a bright flashlight.  You may need to unbolt the torque converter from the flexplate and slide it back toward the transmission to gain clear visual access.  Inspect closely for any apparent cracks or irregular rust tracks, especially around the bolt circle at the flexplate attachment to the crankshaft.  Take this opportunity to rotate the flexplate one full revolution and inspect the condition of the ring gear teeth, as well.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Cheyenne1010

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 60
  • Newbie
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2022, 12:44:19 AM »
Engine block ground to the firewall and to the frame

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6438
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2022, 08:36:36 AM »
Does the negative battery cable connect directly to the engine block through a 4-gauge or larger cable?  Verify that the connections are clean and tight.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Shifty

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 937
  • I bleed Bowtie red...
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2022, 09:59:34 AM »
Not saying it's the problem, but I like a ground on the block, the body and the frame. 
87 V20 Standard Cab Longbed (current)

87 R30 3+3 Longbed (days of yore)

98 C2500 ext cab longbed

Offline JohnnyPopper

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 2526
  • Old Goof
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2022, 07:45:25 AM »
Wonder what ever happened...like so many other posts  ::)
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction

Offline Cheyenne1010

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 60
  • Newbie
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2022, 11:35:35 AM »
Heys guys here's an update with my truck.im having the same problem with the clicking sound and these are the changes I've made.
    I have replaced the starter cable and ground cable with the correct wire gauge,replace the flexplate/flywheel with the correct tooth count and outside diameter and starter is shimmed  correctly.ive check all my ignition wires from dashboard to engine compartment and all is good.
     Here are my next set of changes I'm going to make.i only have one ground from the battery to the alternator bracket(it is a bare metal connection no paint under bolt)and ground cable from body to engine block.so I'm going to add a ground cable from battery to frame and from frame to body.replace nuts and bolts at body to ground connections and I already replaced the battery.

Offline Mr Diesel

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 325
  • Aaron
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2022, 02:01:24 PM »
My experience with starters that just go click is it's usually the solenoid/relay going bad or the brushes sticking inside the starter. In this case with a brand new starter that seems unlikely, but as someone else already pointed out most of these are cheap chinese junk.
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6438
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2022, 02:24:39 PM »
Adding the ground cables you described is a good idea if they are missing.  BUT, replacing everything in sight is an expensive endeavor that generally winds through a blind alley with no exit. 

Use a decent voltmeter to take some voltage drop measurements across both battery cables end-to-end, between the cable ends and battery posts, between the block and starter housing, and between ground and the starter solenoid 'S' terminal - all while attempting to crank the engine.  If voltage drops are within reason for the circumstances, the starter is the culprit.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline ehjorten

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1198
Re: Starter clicking
« Reply #11 on: October 21, 2022, 09:16:00 AM »
Not saying go buy a new starter, but my "stock" starter on my '77 K20 went out and I bought a RobbMc mini starter. I couldn't be happier and that thing cranks the engine over so much faster, even when battery voltage is low. It only weighs 8.5 lb vs. the stock starter at like 21 lb. and it gave me much, much more clearance to my headers.
-Erik-
1991 V3500 - Gen V TBI 454, 4L80E, NP205, 14 bolt FF, D60, 8" Lift on 35s
1977 K20 Silverado - 350, THM350, NP203, 14 bolt FF, D44, Stock Lift on 31s
1969 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe - EFI350, THM350
1968 Chevrolet Step-side Pickup - 300HP L6