'84 Duke started, then doesn't... (Page 3/3) CSM842M4 JUL 04, 08:01 PM Got the '84 to start twice yesterday, then it wouldn't again. I've gone a little bit of the long way around the barn chasing this, but found some more previous owner work that NEEDS corrected, so a plus... Anyway, the no-start looks like a starter solenoid, with a possible crappy clutch interlock bypass and an equally high-quality tap into the solenoid trigger wire leaving the ignition switch. The instrument panel seems to be closer to the panel itself, either the connectors or the circuit film. Wish somebody was 3D printing THOSE... hope to have some time to confirm either of those diagnoses tomorrow. Until then - Happy Independence Day! CSM842M4 JUL 05, 05:24 PM Well, cartercarbaficionado, it looks like you called it. Even with all the crummy wiring "repairs" performed by others, I'm still getting trigger through the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. So I removed the starter from the engine, the solenoid from the starter and the back cover from the solenoid and found quite a mess. The big copper lug contacts and the "washer" that connects them were pitted really badly, and the coil terminal that goes under the lower lug contact had half of it missing. I mean, it wasn't even in the cover anywhere. Tomorrow I will exchange (hopefully under warranty!) the old starter for a fresh one, and starting should return... cartercarbaficionado JUL 05, 06:39 PM quote Originally posted by CSM842M4: Well, cartercarbaficionado, it looks like you called it. Even with all the crummy wiring "repairs" performed by others, I'm still getting trigger through the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. So I removed the starter from the engine, the solenoid from the starter and the back cover from the solenoid and found quite a mess. The big copper lug contacts and the "washer" that connects them were pitted really badly, and the coil terminal that goes under the lower lug contact had half of it missing. I mean, it wasn't even in the cover anywhere. Tomorrow I will exchange (hopefully under warranty!) the old starter for a fresh one, and starting should return... in the future you can order a solenoid rebuild kit or sand down the terminal and lug to make them smooth again and it'll work pretty good. I've rebuilt a few starters and only failed twice. one was a starter that had been submerged for 15 years on and off so it basically disintegrated inside. 2nd was a honda starter that was so worn from a prior rebuild I had to rebuild the pad with Sauter and copper flakes and then I figured out the ring gear was actually bad. so pretty much as long as you don't encounter those issues you can always service a starter. gm is pretty much the best when it comes to this as ford's aren't big enough amd get cooked alive on the older v8s so when they get weak its pretty much done meanwhile a gm starter just needs cleaning and reconditioned and it'll work like new CSM842M4 JUL 06, 09:12 PM Thanks, carter. We used to rebuild the starters and solenoids for the Chevrolet 427's in the amphibious sightseeing tour vehicles where I worked for15 years, up until 5 years ago. It was no big deal, but the heat build-up in the enclosed engine bay took it's toll on the parts themselves and on the lifespan of each rebuild. It was finally determined that our time could be better spent replacing transfer cases and differentials than rebuilding starters we could buy for less than $50 a throw. Anyway, got the fresh solenoid installed on the starter motor and the starter assembly installed on the engine. I was rewarded with the little 4 cylinder starting with no drama. YES! Planning to move it out of the middle of the driveway and onto the apron tomorrow, then continue ironing out the wrinkles on the work done to it before our taking possession of it. Thanks for the help, all. cartercarbaficionado JUL 07, 02:18 AM quote Originally posted by CSM842M4: Thanks, carter. We used to rebuild the starters and solenoids for the Chevrolet 427's in the amphibious sightseeing tour vehicles where I worked for15 years, up until 5 years ago. It was no big deal, but the heat build-up in the enclosed engine bay took it's toll on the parts themselves and on the lifespan of each rebuild. It was finally determined that our time could be better spent replacing transfer cases and differentials than rebuilding starters we could buy for less than $50 a throw. Anyway, got the fresh solenoid installed on the starter motor and the starter assembly installed on the engine. I was rewarded with the little 4 cylinder starting with no drama. YES! Planning to move it out of the middle of the driveway and onto the apron tomorrow, then continue ironing out the wrinkles on the work done to it before our taking possession of it. Thanks for the help, all. sounds like we should trade stories over beer sometime. not that my 21 year self is too interesting glad I could help with my knowledge of the 1984 starter issues. do make sure you procure a heat shield for it to keep the windings a little cooler. a small air duct made of sheet steel also helps alot