1977 Pontiac Firebird starter

JET0577

MEMBER
1977 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

Engine Mechanical problem
1977 Pontiac Firebird V8 Automatic

Hi I have a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am and having a hard time starting it up everytime after sitting. Thought it was the carburator at 1st but a couple opinions have narrowed it down to the starter. My problem is the car turns over and turns over and turns over several times before she finally pops and starts.

I was told to get a mini starter because it is a little more powerful in cranking the engine. It already has one. Another source told me that something on the starter might be to tight and there is something called a synger to put in between the starter and something else. Is this right. Please help. All I want for this car, even though old to just fire right up. Or maybe crank 2-3 times and fire up.I know it can be done.I've seen the show Overhauling. Ha Ha

P.S. Everything in the engine is brand new so it shouldn't have any trouble starting right up. Thanks

Brian

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Is it cranking at the right speed? Or slow? Shim or spacer goes between the starter and block, when the old one was removed, it would have fallen out! Check your battery cables for voltage drop, even 1 volt can prevent it from firing up! Clean/replace both!
Remove Negative first and install last!

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Saturday, July 11th, 2009 AT 5:23 PM

JET0577

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9 POSTS

It's cranking kinda slow. And yes that was what I meant the shim. Does the shim make a big difference? Ok I will have the battery checked also

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Saturday, July 11th, 2009 AT 9:11 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Yes the shim make a difference, from slow cranking, to the starter being too tight and the drive not engauging the flywheel. First step is to replace the shim, and check the Battery, and BOTH cables. This car is old enougfh that corrosion can be all through both cables!

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Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 7:54 AM

JET0577

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9 POSTS

How big of a battery would I need for this 400 engine? Could it be to that it isn't strong enough? When you say starter being to tight, what does that mean and is it easy to adjust for an amateur like me? Sorry. I am learning here too. Thanks for your help though

Brian

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Sunday, July 12th, 2009 AT 6:21 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Parts store will look up the right battery, 650-700 cold cranking amps is needed. Adjustment is done by adding and removing the shims between the starter and engine!