Possible Starter Problem

I drove the Jeep downtown today. Was parked for about 5 minutes and when I tried to restart, it sounded like the starter was turning but the bendix wasn’t engaging the flywheel. I paused for about 10 seconds before trying again, and it fired right up without any issues.

is this just a fluke, or possibly a sign of worse things to come? Anything specific I should do as a preventative measure? Don’t want to get stranded although I could bump start if need be.

FYI, I have a 198 oddfire, and replacement starters are nonexistent as far as I can tell. Rockauto sells replacement bushings, brushes and solenoids, but that’s it.

 

it is possible to take the starter & solenoid apart. any oil, dirt, or corrosion can prevent the solenoid from actuating properly. Sometimes the contacts get burnt, or have corrosion on them, preventing a solid contact, so a little wire brushing of the contacts help. Sure can't hurt to try since you say that parts are scarce. good luck.

 

if it's a GM starter
starter solenoid is a standard part , fitting many years and models

 

Probably just needs some oil use atf it sticks better. got my 225 starter from autozone cheap. Maybe all the same work on chevy engines

 

This.

The solenoid is a very common failure in GM cars of this era. All the Delco starters from this era use the same solenoid. Very common failure.

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS SS200

I would pull it down, clean thoroughly, inspect and replace the brushes as needed and replace the solenoid.

If it happens again before you service the starter, bang on the solenoid.

 

IIRC Walt knows quite a lot about these parts.