Starter solenoid

[Dcalebaugh]

Looks like my starter solenoid died today. I checked at the connection on the solenoid and it reads 10 volts on the meter when the key is turned to start. Just curious, is it possible to remove the solenoid and replace it without removing the starter? If not then it makes no sense to replace just the solenoid, it looks like it would be cheaper to just replace the starter. How tough a job is this? Looks mighty tight down There.

Dave

 

[jmccloud]

Starter Solenoid

It's a lot easier to remove the starter, then replace the solenoid than it is to try and replace the solenoid with the starter in place in a Corvette. (The opposite is true for a mid-sized Blazer, Jimmy, etc.)
Take note of spacers (if any) between the starter and block so you can reinstall them exactly the same way they came out.
You may have a bad brush or commutator inside the starter. Check the voltage at the lower solenoid lug that goes into the starter to confirm. No or low volts= weak solenoid, same voltage as the upper lug (key in 'start') = bad starter.
Usually it's better to bite the bullet and replace both. The last new GM starter I put in (not a Corvette) came with the solenoid, already installed.

 

[Dcalebaugh]

Thanks for the reply. Where would these spacers be located, if any? Sorry, that was a dumb question. All I had to do is look at my shop manual. Well I started my ordeal at around 10:30 this morning, and counting in lunch, a trip to the parts store, and a couple of beer breaks, I was finished at 2. A simple task if it were not for the zero clearance rule. The hardest part for me was getting the wire that goes to the S terminal off and then back on again. There were no spacers on the old starter I installed the new one the same way. I will be sore for awhile, but when it turned over I forgot about the pain. Thanks.

Dave