I have a 1991, Chevy S10 Tahoe, 2.8 liter, 2wd,5spd, A/C.
Shimming changed noise but did not eliminate it.
Recently the starter would not work consistently. It worked most times but sometimes it would not.. When it failed to work, I noticed that when I tried to turn the engine over, all the dash lights and radio lights went out.
Note: this is the "original" starter & solenoid unit.
Troubleshooting:
Even though I have a new battery, I tested it first.
Both voltage tests but also battery and cranking tests, using a SOLAR BT7 test device, PASSED.
All was well.
The more I read in the Chilton manual and online, the more it seemed it could be the solenoid unit. Maybe the brushes were almost gone and therefore occasionally shorting out.
I found a new AC DELCO starter online for just $69.99.
ACD# 337-1003
GM# 88877102
Before ordering I cross-referenced the part number I needed,on 4 websites.
All websites said I needed ACD# 337-1003
When I removed the old unit, there was a difference in physical size between motor portion of the starter.
The paperwork inside the new unit's box had a tech bulletin TB-877, which stated the following about this starter:
" Despite the difference in appearance, these four starters (pictured above) have the same fit, function and increased performance over the earlier starters shown below"
There was also a circle with a slash through it stating, "No shimming required"
Day 1:
a. I disconnected battery terminals and then removed old starter.
I installed the new starter and used no shims, as per the instructions, which said "no shimming required".
My truck started okay and ran, but there was a slight grinding noise.
I immediately shut if off.
b. I disconnected battery cables again and removed starter. I installed the 2 original shims.
I then tried starting the vehicle and it started okay and ran. But the slight grinding noise was still there, BUT it was LESS NOISY than before.
Day 2:
a. Went to a local auto store (oreillys) and bought 2 packages of starter shims on way home from work.
b. disconnected battery, removed starter and installed 2 of the thinnest shims.
c. started vehicle and I still heard some slight grinding noise.
One co-worker presented the issue to his ASE mechanic brother. He said I probably have the wrong starter!
I don't believe so. To check with an offline source I stopped back at a local parts store (Oreillys) again. I asked them to look up my vehicle and they indeed show I need ACD# 337-1003.
NOTE: there is an email source for TECH SUPPORT inside the starter. I contacted them but I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE!
After spending so much time on this issue, I am ready to try something else.
Since my old starter still has good gear teeth, but the solenoid motor's brushes are probably about shot,
I am thinking the quickest thing to do is just buy a new solenoid and install it on the old starter motor.
Any help is appreciated
Shimming changed noise but did not eliminate it.
Recently the starter would not work consistently. It worked most times but sometimes it would not.. When it failed to work, I noticed that when I tried to turn the engine over, all the dash lights and radio lights went out.
Note: this is the "original" starter & solenoid unit.
Troubleshooting:
Even though I have a new battery, I tested it first.
Both voltage tests but also battery and cranking tests, using a SOLAR BT7 test device, PASSED.
All was well.
The more I read in the Chilton manual and online, the more it seemed it could be the solenoid unit. Maybe the brushes were almost gone and therefore occasionally shorting out.
I found a new AC DELCO starter online for just $69.99.
ACD# 337-1003
GM# 88877102
Before ordering I cross-referenced the part number I needed,on 4 websites.
All websites said I needed ACD# 337-1003
When I removed the old unit, there was a difference in physical size between motor portion of the starter.
The paperwork inside the new unit's box had a tech bulletin TB-877, which stated the following about this starter:
" Despite the difference in appearance, these four starters (pictured above) have the same fit, function and increased performance over the earlier starters shown below"
There was also a circle with a slash through it stating, "No shimming required"
Day 1:
a. I disconnected battery terminals and then removed old starter.
I installed the new starter and used no shims, as per the instructions, which said "no shimming required".
My truck started okay and ran, but there was a slight grinding noise.
I immediately shut if off.
b. I disconnected battery cables again and removed starter. I installed the 2 original shims.
I then tried starting the vehicle and it started okay and ran. But the slight grinding noise was still there, BUT it was LESS NOISY than before.
Day 2:
a. Went to a local auto store (oreillys) and bought 2 packages of starter shims on way home from work.
b. disconnected battery, removed starter and installed 2 of the thinnest shims.
c. started vehicle and I still heard some slight grinding noise.
One co-worker presented the issue to his ASE mechanic brother. He said I probably have the wrong starter!
I don't believe so. To check with an offline source I stopped back at a local parts store (Oreillys) again. I asked them to look up my vehicle and they indeed show I need ACD# 337-1003.
NOTE: there is an email source for TECH SUPPORT inside the starter. I contacted them but I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE!
After spending so much time on this issue, I am ready to try something else.
Since my old starter still has good gear teeth, but the solenoid motor's brushes are probably about shot,
I am thinking the quickest thing to do is just buy a new solenoid and install it on the old starter motor.
Any help is appreciated
Jul 6, 2014 at 1:35 PM
