Need some help.

[Yabo]

Alright guys, usually I'm just a reader, but I've got a problem that I'm not even sure what to search for on these forums. I've got a 72 GT, that lately, every now and then when I start it I hear an aweful almost grinding type noise. When it happens the AMP gauge goes crazy and off the scale, the tach reads fine. So I shut it off very quickly before it burns anything up. Now if I wait a few minutes, and try to start it again, it may do it or it may not. If it doesnt, Im good to take off and it doesnt give me any problems driving it. But the next time I try to start it, it does the same thing to me. I was wondering if maybe the alternator was going bad, but it's almost brand new, so I was just searching for some suggestions. This is the first car Ive actually worked on, so Im inexperienced, and ideas at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank ya

Jake

[namba209]

First off, you didn't say which way the ammeter went off scale + or -, that would be nice to know. If + it could be the starter pinion gear hanging up in the flywheel ring gear which would turn the starter into a generator. Does this happen immediately after the engine starts? If it was - it could be the alternator bushings going bad or a loose generator output lead hanging up the the alternator rotor. Lotsa things could be going bad based on your description. Luckily there are a couple of GT folks in your area, if they feel so inclined, they may respond and give you an assist. HTH.

[rrossjr]

Originally Posted by Yabo Alright guys, usually I'm just a reader, but I've got a problem that I'm not even sure what to search for on these forums. I've got a 72 GT, that lately, every now and then when I start it I hear an aweful almost grinding type noise... Jake

Jake,
Sounds lsimilar to what I was hearing last year (see http://www.opelgt.com/forums/1a-star...-starting.html) In my case snugging up the starter mounting bolts seems to have done the trick. Worth a look anyway.
Ron in Indy

[Yabo]

Ahh, I apologize, it goes off scale to the + and yes it is right when the car starts. Makes sense with the starter... Im going to have to check that out first tomorrow. Hopefully thats all it is, and life will continue. I appreciate it fellas.

[wayne70gt]

Do you have an ignition relay? If so the switch may be going bad and keeping the starter engaged. Happened to me. Wayne

[namba209]

Originally Posted by Yabo Ahh, I apologize, it goes off scale to the + and yes it is right when the car starts. Makes sense with the starter... Im going to have to check that out first tomorrow. Hopefully thats all it is, and life will continue. I appreciate it fellas.

Apology not necessary. As you said inexperienced, so that covers it. Ron in Indy and Wayne both have valid points. A loose srarter could cause the pinion gear to hang up and an ignition switch going bad could also cause the starter to remain engaged. I'd go wih the easiest first, check the starter mounting bolts. Then if that does not clear the problem, you're next best bet would be to isolate the ignition switch. There are quite a few threads on that, basicly bypassing the start side of the switch by jumpering across the terminals on the starter solenoid. Try doing a search for the starter solenoid and see what comes up. Be prepared for a lot of reading.

[unkqty]

don't just check to see that the starter mounting bolts are tight. remove motor and check the ears (where bolt connects starter to block) and the bendix (starter gear throwout assembly). a broken ear will allow misalignment of the starter and a gummy or worn bendix will keep the gear engaged.
good luck.
-unk