Starter turning prematurely.

[George7941]

I just replaced a Delco 28MT starter on a Freighliner truck with a Delco rebuilt unit. Now about every tenth start the starter will just spin freely without engaging the flywheel. I do not believe that it is the teeth on the flywheel since there was no such problem at all with the old starter. I will check the teeth again when I take off the starter. My theory is that the solenoid electrical contact is being made a little prematurely before the drive is extended enough to engage the flywheel properly. Have you ever come across this problem before? I am going to take the starter off and get it exchanged under warranty but I felt that I should have the benefit of some BITOG wisdom first.

 

[George7941]

To add to my post, I did not lubricate the starter drive since the instructions that come with rebuilt starters always tell you not to lubricate the drive. I have been tempted to lubricate in the past but have always figured that the rebuiders caution against lubrication for a specific reason. I am guessing the reason is that if a heavy oil or grease is used it will hinder the free travel of the drive.

 

[mechtech2]

Delco rebuilds used to be good, but who knows now where they are outsourced from?
It sounds like a bad starter - the Bendix drive.

 

[Quest]

bad reman starter George. Get a new one and don't cry over it.