[85_SS]

I took the starter to a local auto electric shop to get their opinion and give it a once over. First off - he agreed that it was just clutch dust on the nose as stellar mentioned (funny how you can jump to conclusions when you have electrical problems on the brain).

As soon as he put it in the vice, he pointed out the bottom cover on the case was tweaked a bit - something I noticed, but didn't think much of. He spun it and immediately said it wasn't right. He loosened the bottom cover, tapped it back into place so it was flush all around, then tightened it up and tried again - it sounded better and spun faster than the first time, but he said it still wasn't right. It was enough for me not to try reinstalling it - which is how I was leaning anyways as I really don't want to take any chances.

He also recommended heavier battery cables than the 4ga that was on there, but I already have the factory style spring cables that I plan on using (which are also 4ga) for a more correct appearance (I also have a battery topper, but need to get a different battery that it will fit). On that note - are these reproduction cables copper or some alloy? They appear to be aluminum from what I can see at the crimped end that connects to the starter, but that can't be right?

I ended up ordering a Powermaster 9510 earlier today as I like the idea of being able to clock it however I want to get the cables away from the heat as well - I would have went for the RobbMc, but it's not in the budget at the moment and he unfortunately doesn't have any Pontiac on clearance right now.

Originally Posted by steve v

Here's a scan from the 70 factory manual showing the battery cable orientation for RA cars. Note the tab on the cable end.

Thanks for the diagram - I can see how that tab would make a significant difference!