[sprdave4264]

Has this happened to anyone else? My wife and I went for a ride in our 64 GTO and after 2-3 hours we stopped for gas. After filling up, it wouldn't start. After the usual head scratching and checking the battery, I thought I would give the starter a tap. A picture should be attached. The starter housing was cracked. Has anyone else had a similar issue? Just caught me off guard. And while I've got your attention, any recommendations on a new starter? Engine has been rebuilt to stock high compression specs.

[sprdave4264]

I should add that the starter has been working fine and not making any weird noises, etc. That starter was put on 6 years (and several thousand miles) ago.

[stevep]

It's usually caused by incorrect engine timing.

[sdbob]

Never. Even with bad bearings in starter. Engine kick back?

[4dblnkldude]

This just happened to me 4 months ago in my Grandville. I've heard its pretty common with all GM engines....heard.

[sprdave4264]

I am thinking metal fatigue. No hard starting or kick back or weird sounds. Until it didn't start, then it was a weird dying starter sound for like 2 or 3 seconds. Then nothing.

[Formulas]

I have not spun it yet but I just got a new starter from autozone and its totally new not rebuilt old parts

Even has the extended stud for the reinforcement bracket and better sealing to keep out water

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by Formulas

I have not spun it yet but I just got a new starter from autozone and its totally new not rebuilt old parts

Even has the extended stud for the reinforcement bracket and better sealing to keep out water

Was the AZ starter the Duralast Gold New Starter 3696N---$86.99?

Not a bad deal.

[Formulajones]

I've seen that a few times on different brand engines and every one of them I feel was a result of not having the rear support bracket in place.

Starters get changed over the years and many don't reinstall the support brackets because they can be a pain to deal with or the reman starters simply don't have the stud so the bracket is discarded. It's a pretty important piece to have.

Another thing to look for is make sure there are correct starter bolts in place with knurled shanks that help hold the starter correctly. They take up some of the slack a regular bolt won't do

In a couple cases I've seen it also cracks the block at the starter mount pad. Make sure that isn't cracked and moving around, maybe causing the starter to wiggle just a bit that eventually cracked the nose.

[Formulas]

I would have to check part numbers tomorrow but that sounds right,
It was the more expensive one with life warranty

I didn't have a core so it was 40$ ish more

["QUICK-SILVER"]

Originally Posted by sprdave4264

I am thinking metal fatigue. No hard starting or kick back or weird sounds. Until it didn't start, then it was a weird dying starter sound for like 2 or 3 seconds. Then nothing.

If nothing inside is hurt... I'd replace the nose and run it.

Clay

[400 Lemans]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

I've seen that a few times on different brand engines and every one of them I feel was a result of not having the rear support bracket in place.

Starters get changed over the years and many don't reinstall the support brackets because they can be a pain to deal with or the reman starters simply don't have the stud so the bracket is discarded. It's a pretty important piece to have.

Another thing to look for is make sure there are correct starter bolts in place with knurled shanks that help hold the starter correctly. They take up some of the slack a regular bolt won't do

In a couple cases I've seen it also cracks the block at the starter mount pad. Make sure that isn't cracked and moving around, maybe causing the starter to wiggle just a bit that eventually cracked the nose.

What formulajones said, its looks like it has the wrong starter bolts in it. To much slop without the knurls and it will crack.

[abefromen]

Originally Posted by 400 Lemans

What formulajones said, its looks like it has the wrong starter bolts in it. To much slop without the knurls and it will crack.

Good catch, definitely has the wrong bolts shown in pic.

[Schurkey]

Originally Posted by Formulas

I have not spun it yet but I just got a new starter from autozone and its totally new not rebuilt old parts

Even has the extended stud for the reinforcement bracket and better sealing to keep out water

"New" pretty-much guarantees "Cheap Chinese Junk".

I'd rather have a properly-rebuilt or even a "good used" Delco starter than a brand-new bottom-feeder.

Originally Posted by 400 Lemans

What formulajones said, its looks like it has the wrong starter bolts in it. To much slop without the knurls and it will crack.

Beat me to it.

[Formulas]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

"New" pretty-much guarantees "Cheap Chinese Junk".

I'd rather have a properly-rebuilt or even a "good used" Delco starter than a brand-new bottom-feeder.


Beat me to it.

If my Chinese starter takes a dump I will take it back with my lifetime warranty,
good Pontiac starters rebuilt good used old call it what you want they are not falling off trees anymore

I only have 2 Pontiac cars both have old school delco starters that I cleaned up and put new brushes in, the dreaded China starter is for my spare 433 motor that I am going to break in on a stand and dont really want to play swap the starter around with

.

[sprdave4264]

Thanks for the help/comments.