Not just there John. Wind is howling here. temps are wind chill 0* f

Was going to do a little work on my Eddie Bauer truck, but it's too cold to even open the shop up!

 

I have to change the starter on my old Chevy, tomorrow might be warmer at -10° F

 

I went to Jr College in Canton, NY (near the St. Lawrence river) years ago. We had one week of -35*. The next week we had a heat wave of -5. So warm you didn't have to wear a hat....

 

It actually don't feel too bad out there now but I don't feel like crawling under a truck in the driveway. I tried having the wife crank the key on while I smacked the starter but can't get a proper swing to jar the solenoid. If I could get it started I'd drive it in the garage and let it warm up...

 

Have you tried jumping the solenoid ? Battery cable to small connection? We used to be able to take the solenoid apart and reverse the round copper washer like connector that would provide power from the battery cable to the starter.

 

I could likely put a screwdriver from the main lead coming from the battery to the starter from that to the solenoid. That's won't fry anything else in the system will it . Bad enough I need a new starter...lol

 

That's the way we would "jump" the starter, John

I've got some starter brushes and bushings if needed...however they are in NY

 

Maybe if I convince myself to get in the mood I'll crawl under the truck tomorrow. I guess the key would be in the run position..?

 

You can jump a gm starter like a ford solenoid with a screwdriver.

Be careful tho, I saw a guy run over his own leg one time doing that, it was in gear, and the truck started, ran right over him

 

This one is an automatic Charlie..

 

It will still work, John. Best have someone in the vehicle, when leaving the key on.....unless your wife is mad at you.

 

I think If I can bump the starter it might start right up, could be corroded contacts and not allowed current to flow. I'll get under there tomorrow with a screwdriver..

 

Probably a set of brushes John. They don't last forever
Unless the windings have a short, you're probably better off rebuilding it yourself.

New rebuilt stuff is absolute junk

 

The starter is the original to the truck, 20 years

 

As Charlie said, it's not too hard to rebuild (brushes, check play in end bushings, replace and lube if needed, and contact washer in solenoid) With your talents, you can do it.
https://www.zoro.com/acdelco-starter...SABEgJYffD_BwE pricey
https://www.ebay.com/p/Starter-Motor...2699202&chn=ps
the above kit shows the solenoid washer I mentioned