An intermittent ignition issue showed up on my El Camino with the 500 Cadillac engine in it a couple of weeks ago. I decided to see if I could track it down this afternoon. I think I've found the issue (or at least narrowed it down to 2 possibilities). I probably would have had it fixed this afternoon except I ran into another little issue.

Ever wonder what happens when a 500 CI motor has a stuck mechanical advance and kicks back real hard on the starter.


Starter 1 by M Patterson, on Flickr



other side


starter 2 by M Patterson, on Flickr



Naturally I'd just put that starter on 3 months ago. Before anybody asks, yes I'm running the support strap from the back of the starter to the engine block.


Fortunately the starter was the only damage, the flexplate, holes where the starter bolts on and even the starter bolts survived. The local parts store had one the shelf and the price is actually reasonable (even without a core LOL), so I got into town and picked it up just before they closed. At least I know how I'm going to start my day tomorrow.



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