83 Avanti starting issue

[A83]

Battery reads 100% charged but 2 issues 

 

First issue is sometimes I turn the key and it is absolutely dead. Then moments later I can start it. 

Second issue is when it does turnover sometimes I get a shrill type sound of two pieces of metal rubbing together right before it starts. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thank you everyone.

 

Kevin A83

 

 

 

[Gunslinger]

Check all the connections for tightness and corrosion…both hot lead and ground.  It may require disconnecting everything…cleaning it all and reconnecting everything tight.  You might also do a starter draw test and see how many amps the starter is drawing.

The noise may be the starter bolts have loosened and a shim is loose or gone…BTDT.  The starter itself may be dry and needing rebuilding or replacing.  

[A83]

Thanks Gunslinger appreciate it 

[Jim78]

Another possibility is that the starter solenoid is sticking.  Sticking in the retracted position would account for nothing happening when you turn the key. Then, sticking in the engaged position when the engine starts could account for the noise, as it would be the same effect as holding the key in the start position.  

[A83]

Thanks very much -is there a way to fix it or do I need a new one?

[Jim78]

22 hours ago, A83 said:

Thanks very much -is there a way to fix it or do I need a new one?

The starter solenoid on the Chevy engine is not normally serviced separately.  It is integral to the starter motor, and the two are usually replaced as a unit.  To determine if the issue is with the solenoid, a voltmeter can be used to determine if it is getting voltage when you turn the key to the "start" position.  Another check is to touch a 12V jumper wire to the small terminal of the solenoid to se if the starter operates.  But, as your problem is intermittent, this may not necessarily give an accurate result.  A shade-tree mechanic approach is to hold the key in the start position (when the starter doesn't operate) and have an assistant tap on the starter with a hammer.  If the starter then springs to life, it's time for a new starter.  

 

[Footer]

My starter was sluggish and I finally sliced the positive cable from the battery to the starter. Yep, it had green corrosion inside. Replacing it made a big difference. Probably not your problem with the randomness but something to be aware of. Mike