Starter is beginning to drag.

[Rumble]

The starter on my 1979 Cadillac is dragging somewhat during cold cranks (and occassionaly when engine is warm). The car only has 13k miles on it, so I don't think it's from excessive use, but the starter is 32 years old. Just replaced the battery last year, and the alternator and cable/connections are fine.

Can the solenoid cause the starter to drag? The solenoid engages fine, but the starter seems to drag or strain a few seconds before the car cranks.

I may just rebuild it if I can get the parts. Or, what are some recommendations for a remanufactured unit?

 

[eljefino]

seems you could rig a test light to the solenoid output/ motor input wire and keep an eye on it. If it's real dim when cranking the solenoid would not be passing enough current.

 

[Carbon]

I would try to measure the voltage at the power terminal to the starter (after the solenoid) with respect to the chassis while cranking. This would show up a voltage drop caused by battery or cable or solenoid.

 

[LeakySeals]

I had that last year. Was the starter. First I thought it was the battery so i ignored it. Time from when the slow starts began to when it wouldn't start was a couple weeks. Replaced the whole thing because I ended up in a bind, so I don't know what exactly on the starter failed.

 

[LeakySeals]

PS. Obviously this is your baby and want new but if you cant find one - junk yards are now dismantling cars and selling parts on eBay. You may be able to find something at a reasonable price.

 

[Rumble]

Thanks everyone. I'll try to do some testing once I get the car on the ramps.

 

[Rumble]

I think the problem may have been a cracked solenoid housing. The large positive terminal on the solenoid was loose where it mounts to the housing, and when I tried to tighten it, several pieces of the housing crumbled. So, it looks like I just need another solenoid. Thanks!