The starter from my '84 was starting to fail. At first, it occasionally did the "solenoid thump", where the solenoid clicks but doesn't turn. Then, after a couple tries (or maybe even the next one) it started right up. After a while I needed to rock the car or whack it with a hammer. Eventually, it was 100% repeatable: it would not start on the first try and it got progressively more labor-intensive. Sometimes it would turn over but act as if the battery was very low, then "right" itself and start right up. What's usually the problem I'm describing?
Sorry for the somewhat irrelevant novel. Anyway, I replaced it with one off my junker (problem fixed) and noticed that the old one had a rubber "plug" in a small hole on the bottom; the new one has the hole but no plug. Does one need to lube a starter via this portal? With what? Thx.
Blake
Starter: Lube or no lube?
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splatterdog
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- Location: Minnesota, USA
Re: Starter: Lube or no lube?
Sounds like solenoid contacts. They are replaceable and cheaper than a whole new starter.
The plug is typically a drain hole. No lube required. It does help to keep crud out.
The plug is typically a drain hole. No lube required. It does help to keep crud out.
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hberdan
- Highest Ranking Member
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- My tercel:: Sold my 1987 Tercel Dlx 4x4 Wagon but miss driving it everyday. I don't miss working on it, though.
- Location: Colorado!
Re: Starter: Lube or no lube?
"I'm high on the real thing: Powerful gasoline, a clean windshield, and a shoeshine."
Re: Starter: Lube or no lube?
Nice, thanks folks.