dallonJ

Starter is new. Doesn't mean that it didn't go bad. Will know tomorrow after more testing on starter.

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Trust your gut.

I decided to pull the starter after all. I bench tested it and got nothing off the solenoid post or bendex post. During lunch I decided to watch a few Youtube "Bench tests" videos. After lunch I went out and tried testing with 1). battery charger/ battery, to starter, 2) direct from 2nd vehicle while running. During #2 I decided to give the solenoid a few taps and whala it engaged.

After some research I found that most agree when you gotta start tapping it is time to replace. This new starter was put in by a repair shop August 2013 while I had the truck in the shop for a brake job. The shop claims my truck wouldn't start so I needed to replace my starter. Opting not to have it towed home I gave in and paid for a new starter.

The shop owner installed a USA Industries 604720 remanufactured starter, it lasted 118 days. I should have asked him what he was putting in before I said okay but I was busy at work. USA claims a 12 month 12,000 warranty I m going to hold the shop owner accountable for a refund, he can keep the starter and get it repaired through the warranty.

Question: I am leaning toward a Genuine Chevrolet starter, ACDelco or Bosch. Any thoughts?

 

Either are good if new,otherwise get a rebuilt from a local starter alternator rebuild shop and try to insist on a USA solenoid-the china ones are crap.

 

Cleaning the ground cables.

What a pain! The one on the left rear of the head is on a 3/8" stud with molded nut. The stud was a little loose so I decided to take the locking nut off and it was stuck. By the time I got the locking nut off I had destroyed the two 12 gauge ground wire connectors and the braided ground connector. Chevy decided to mold a very thin nut on the 3/8" post so you need a very thin bladed 9/16" wrench. I fortunately had one but could not get it on since the connectors were bent down over the molded nut and there is no room to get a hammer in the engine compartment to tap the wrench onto the nut.

From there I went to the frame and disconnected the other braided ground cable and on the front of the left cab wall where the two ground straps meet. I scrubbed, filed, shined and lubed the posts and frame and should have a great ground connection for the next 17 years I hope.

Even though this is a lot of work I get a lot of satisfaction on working on my truck and want to thank all of you for your help!

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Sounds like good advise, thx!