87 Vette Wont Start or turn over, manually turn engine, then it will start

[jobartel]

I am having periodic trouble with the car starting. As said in the title, it won't turn over and does not click. If I put a wrench on the crank and turn the engine by hand about a 1/4 turn, it turns over and fires right up. Its been doing fine for a couple since the last occurence.

During the time its not working, I do have dash lights, head lights and everything else electrical available to me.

I have replaced the Starter/Solenoid, Battery and Positive Side Battery Cable.

Thx for any sugggestions...

[Catman-'87]

Originally Posted by jobartel

I am having periodic trouble with the car starting. As said in the title, it won't turn over and does not click. If I put a wrench on the crank and turn the engine by hand about a 1/4 turn, it turns over and fires right up. Its been doing fine for a couple since the last occurence.

During the time its not working, I do have dash lights, head lights and everything else electrical available to me.

I have replaced the Starter/Solenoid, Battery and Positive Side Battery Cable.

Thx for any sugggestions...

Sounds as if there might be a wire with the insulation worn off and grounding against the engine or other metal. When you are moving around under the hood turning the engine it is moved off the ground. Also, I'm curious if the condition of the flywheel was checked when the starter was replaced. There could be a damaged area on the teeth of the flywheel and binding the started in the engaged position, then turning the engine moves it to an undamaged area and releases it. I hope this might help, I know what you're going through.

[jobartel]

Originally Posted by Catman-'87

Sounds as if there might be a wire with the insulation worn off and grounding against the engine or other metal. When you are moving around under the hood turning the engine it is moved off the ground. Also, I'm curious if the condition of the flywheel was checked when the starter was replaced. There could be a damaged area on the teeth of the flywheel and binding the started in the engaged position, then turning the engine moves it to an undamaged area and releases it. I hope this might help, I know what you're going through.

Thanks for the reply! I have tried pulling on the wires. Thats one of the reasons I replaced the battery-starter cable. The car was not moved off the ground. I did check the flywheel when I changed the starter. And, the starter does not try to engage when I have this problem. Confuses me...

[Wattsyurz]

Fix your car yet? Check the battery voltage first for better than 13V. Get this problem by waiting till it's hung, put the car on stands, and have a helper turn the key while my face is at the starter. I'd wait a second and touch the large positive cable to see how warm it is. If it doesn't get hot, trace out the primary side, ign switch etc (doubtful). If it heats up, and it's an automatic trans, remove the inspection plate. Have your friend nudge the crank while you watch the gears mesh. I'd have him continue around to do a quick flywheel assessment. By now the problem should be apparent, but remember that on some classics, Chevy starters had tongue depressor style spacers...