DESCRIPTION
The Delco-Remy starter is part of the cranking circuit, which also consists of the battery, ignition switch and related wiring. (Scheme 1) When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the starter solenoid windings are energized. This causes the solenoid plunger to move the shift lever, which engages the pinion with the engine flywheel ring gear. The movement of the plunger also closes the main solenoid contacts, applying battery voltage to the starter.
When the engine starts, the pinion will overrun, protecting the armature from excessive speed and the flywheel from damage. When the ignition switch is released, the plunger return spring disengages the pinion.
Scheme 1
| Body Type | Models |
|---|---|
| E Body | Eldorado |
| J Body | Cavalier, Sunbird |
| K Body | DeVille, Seville |
| L Body | Beretta, Corsica |
| N Body | Achieva, Grand Am, Skylark |
| W Body | Cutlass Supreme, Grand Prix, Lumina, Regal |
BODY CODE
| CAUTION | Never operate starter for periods of more than 15 seconds. Excessive cranking can cause starter to overheat. Allow starter to cool for at least 2 minutes after each time operated. |
- A high-pitched whine, heard while cranking (before engine starts), indicates excessive distance between starter pinion and flywheel. If high-pitched whine is heard after engine starts and key is released, distance between starter pinion and flywheel is too short.
- If loud, siren-like "whoop" sound is heard after the engine starts, drive assembly is likely defective. If "rumble", "growl" or "knock" is present as starter is coasting to a stop after starting engine, starter armature is bent or unbalanced. NOTE: Check flywheel ring gear for damage.
- If diagnosis indicates pinion should be closer to flywheel, remove one double .015" shim or add a single .015" shim to the outer bolt only. If noise persists, continue removing or adding shims to outside bolt as required. See «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION»(ref-58497-S21856192262001100200000) .
- If diagnosis indicates pinion should be moved away from flywheel, add one .015" shim. If condition is not corrected, another .015" shim may be added. DO NOT exceed .045" shim thickness. See «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION»(ref-58497-S21856192262001100200000) .
Note. For additional trouble shooting information, refer to the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.