Chevrolet Corvette Starters
The starter is part of the electrical system in your Chevrolet Corvette. When you turn your key in the ignition of your vehicle, the starter draws power from the battery. The solenoid in the starter causes the pinion gear in the starter to engage the fly wheel in the engine and the pinion gear turns the engine over and disengages.
What are some indicators of a Chevrolet Corvette starter problem?
Some indications that your Corvette starter may be bad include:
- A clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition is the most common indication of a starter problem. Just to be sure that the problem is not the battery, try turning on your headlights. If they light and are not dim, the battery in your Corvette is fine.
- A grinding noise like the noise you hear when your engine is running and you accidentally turn the ignition switch again can indicate a problem. If your starter is bad, you will hear the grinding noise, but your engine will not turn over. It is an indication that your starter is freewheeling or spinning without restraint, and it is not engaging the flywheel. Therefore, the engine is not engaging.
- Smoke indicates that the starter is getting too much power.
- A fluid-soaked starter indicates a leak that is damaging the starter.
- A malfunctioning solenoid does not pull power from the battery or does not push the pinion gear to engage the flywheel. If nothing happens when you turn the ignition switch, then jiggle the transmission gear shift lever and turn the ignition switch again. If you still get nothing, then the starter in your Corvette is bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement.
Will it be hard to replace the starter?
No. For safety, make sure your Chevrolet is on a level surface with the emergency brake engaged and blocks behind the back wheels. Remove the negative battery cable from the terminal. Use a jack to raise the front end of your Chevrolet.
Take the exhaust pipe off of the engine. Carefully label and lay aside all the parts you remove. Remove the wires from the starter. Remove the bolts and then remove the starter. Reattach everything in reverse order making sure that the mounting bolts are torqued to 37 foot-pounds. Once your car is off of the jack, reconnect the battery cable.
What are some brands of Chevrolet Corvette starters?
Corvettes are high-performance cars, so you want a high-quality starter, especially when you consider that Corvettes can have starting issues even with a good starter. High temperatures and compression can cause Corvette starting issues. If you are buying a starter, brands include IMI, AC Delco, Bosch, Denso, Powermaster, and Remy. Most of all, make sure that the starter you are considering is compatible with the year, make, model, trim, and engine of your Chevrolet Corvette.