Sweptline.ORG

Ive been having a random issue with my 68 D100 318 4speed. After stopping for a while, when i junp in to start it i get the slow crank like a dead battery. I stick with it (as in I don't let off of the key) and it speeds up and starts.

Twice it was after a 40 min drive hauling a load to the dump. Today it was after a short cruise.

Any ideas? I thought maybe a coincidence with heat but the last time it wasn't super hot.

Hmmm... dirty cables? Although, you've probably already thought of that. Otherwise... sounds like the starter needs a rebuild. I had mine rebuilt by a "starter/generator" shop.

I too am thinking starter. It's a 5 yr old NAPA part.

I just put this other battery in a short while back... I'll look into it this weekend.

Thanks Jim!

Dirty/old cables could definitely be the culprit, but if they check clean, I'd agree that it's time for a rebuild/replacement. Repeated heat soak over years takes its toll, to the point that a spirited drive or a heavy haul can cause the bushings to get tight and difficult to turn.

I love the distinctive sound of the old mopar starters, but if you want to go with a compatible later model mini starter (same as chrysler has been using since the early 90s or so) that is more resistant to heat and kicks with a lot more power, I recommend this guy:

http://www.amazon.com/Mopar-Dodge-Plymo ... per+Torque

They also sell them on ebay. They're priced very reasonably, and fit everything from a slant to a big block (only thing I'm not sure of is a poly--maybe someone else could chime in for compatibility?). There's a plastic terminal block for later model cars that just unscrews, and you're left with the same two stud arrangement as every classic mopar starter I've seen.

I have one on my 72 charger, and love how fast it cranks and catches vs. the old design part. If the starter on my swepty ever gives up, I'll probably replace it with one of these.

The problem with buying a new "mini" starter is... our '68s have the 3 BOLT starter.

Wow, thanks for the info. I just went to the interchange website and looked at some pictures... I'd never seen the mopar 3-bolt before. I guess that's what I get for only owning 70 and later cars.

Always more to learn! Thanks!

dubs wrote:Wow, thanks for the info. I just went to the interchange website and looked at some pictures... I'd never seen the mopar 3-bolt before. I guess that's what I get for only owning 70 and later cars.

Always more to learn! Thanks!

I think that the 1968 Sweptlines was the last year for those BIG 3 bolt jobs as it had something to do with the hydraulic bellhousing! Of course, they were used on the trucks, but the cars had the 2 bolt starters like you are familiar with.

Then to mix it up a bit theirs the B B Starter for the 68 and older hydraulic bell housings. Also used till 73or 74 or 75 or so in the D/W/C series with B B hydraulic bell housing. What fun.