this morning i went to start my '68 bonneville, and it started right up like it was warm. Since it'* not fuel injected, I have to feather the throttle. Well, after doing this, (not at high RPM'* at all...) the car died. When I went to restart, the car made a sound when it was turning over. And the sound was continuous with the engine turning over. I'm praying that it'* something with the starter, and not the motor. Can i have your help?

thanx guys,
279

What kind of sound? Clicking? Grinding? Help us out, and we'll help you!

ok, i'm sorry. It was more or less a settle grinding noise. But extremely settle.

what do you think.

279

Without being able to listen to the car myself, I would only be able to venture a guess. If it is only happening when the key is in the start position, it may be a bad bendix (that is if it doesn't start). It it starts and is making that noise it could be any number of internal engine parts--timing gears/chain (assuming they don't slip), broken cam, bad oil pump, bad water pump, distributer gear, etc.

Ok, because this happens when only when the key is on the "on" position. My dad said he thinks that the points may be burned out.

But I do have a question. What is a "bendix"? I appreciate the input!!!

have fun
279

Vincent Bendix invented the first starter around 1911 and it was installed in the 1914 Cheverolet "Baby Grand" in 1914. By 1920 nearly all vehicles produced in America were equiped with the "Bendix Drive". And the starter was simply called "The Bendix". So if you hear one them Ol' Timers refer to something as The Bendix, ya know they're talking about their Starter.

That sure is nifty. Ok. I see know. I think I will start to use that terminology. Thanx.

Have a good one forums friends...
279

Actually, When I refer to the bendix, I am refering only to the drive gear that engages the flywheel. It is attached to a solenoid that is on the side of the starter. What happens is that when the bendix (as I have described it) is warn, it can start to loose teeth or slip against the flywheel teeth, causing a grinding noise. The other thing that can happen with a bad bendix is that the solenoid that engages the bendix gear can become tired (weak) and therefore not fully extend the bendix gear to the flywheel. This too will cause the flywheel/bendix gears to slip against each other and "grind".

Since your grinding only happens on the "on" position and not on the "start" position, this rules out your bendix--unless it is not dissengaging. As for the points being burned and causing a grinding noise, I haven't heard of that before, but it is worth looking into since it is a relatively inexpensive repair.

Another good resourse for your classic Bonneville is PontiacDarkside. They are a yahoo based forum that deals with classic full-sized Pontiacs such as Catalinas, 2+2'*, Bonnevilles, Perissians, Classic Grand Prixs, Venturas, and the such. (But don't leave us, we like the classics too--just trying to help you out with some other resources).

ok, ok, very sweet. I'm looking it up at this VERY MINUTE!!!! (Let'* try not to act too excited!) Anyway, Yeah, I had to start somewhere, thanx a bunch for the tip. But i'll still come here, and stay loyal. Have fun...and thanx for the help.

Have fun
279

If you can't find it, I'll email them and give them your email. I tried searching for it and was unable to locate it in the traditional means. I am a member, so I just get everything through email.

Tim