Starter issues

Elf · 07-22-2011, 01:09 PM

This past winter I went out to the MH to run exercise everything and well, because I could. I tried to start the engine but got nothing but a click. The battery was in good shape. I did the basic troubleshooting and could find no obvious issues. After a while of sitting and thinking, it finally started as normal.

Fast forward to last week. Everything has been great since that winter day until last week when the same thing happened. This time the MH was in front of the house and I tried to start it and nothing but a click. This time I couldn't blame it on sitting in storage or the cold. I could find no electrical problems so I got underneath and gave the starter a couple of taps with the hammer and it started right up.

It has started each time since then but there is obviously an issue. I felt lucky this time that it was in front of my house and not at a gas pump or some other inconvenient location.

My thought is to replace the starter unless someone on here has some other experience or knowledge that would say otherwise. It may work fine for a long time but I just don't have the confidence in it now. The other question is I have called around to price starters and have discovered that they are WAY more expensive than any starter I have ever purchased. Is there a good place to get one for a Chevy 8.1 that any of you know of?

Thanks

Cousin Ed · 07-22-2011, 03:09 PM

We had started problems with our 8.1. Usually if someone turned the key you could tap the starter and it would start. I used a 6' pole and a hamper. If this starts it you know you have starter trouble. If it doesn't... maybe it's a connection or the ground. It's just cheaper than replacing the starter and still not having it work!

Southernboy · 07-25-2011, 05:29 PM

When this happens the brushes are worn short or stuck, they are spring loaded when you tap the starter you can sometimes make them pop loose

Elf · 07-25-2011, 05:38 PM

I have decide to just get it replaced. I called several shops and got the "we can't really be sure about anything" responses. Anyhow, I will feel a lot better when I stop somewhere about it starting again with a replacement...it's just money, right?

JBDISCOVERY · 07-25-2011, 05:47 PM

EFL, try a starer/generator rebuild shop. This is a ordinary problem for heavy trucks and this type of shop should be able to fix the starter for less than what a new or rebuild unit would cost. Good luck.
JimB