[PhilD]

I just put a new starter in my CTS-V 06

In the process of trying to pry off the purple wire and clip, it was brittle and the entire thing broke into pieces. The only thing remaining was the orange piece

I have a new harness on order -- will be here in a few days -- but I'm looking for advice on what is better long term

1) Plug in harness at solenoid and run new wire (with new insulation) all the way back to the fuse block

2) Splice into existing purple wire at the end -- past the insulation -- with heat shrink connector

This is not mine but similar

 

[PhilD]

 

[AAIIIC]

Are you talking about the main power cable to the starter, or the trigger wire?

For the power cable, I know a lot of folks have gone to a different LS starter (not sure of a part number, but folks often refer to it as a "truck starter") that has a stud there so the cable attaches with a ring terminal rather than the harness connector. That way there's no plastic to melt and cause the same problem again at some point in the future. That's how mine is set up.

 

[PhilD]

Are you talking about the main power cable to the starter, or the trigger wire?

For the power cable, I know a lot of folks have gone to a different LS starter (not sure of a part number, but folks often refer to it as a "truck starter") that has a stud there so the cable attaches with a ring terminal rather than the harness connector. That way there's no plastic to melt and cause the same problem again at some point in the future. That's how mine is set up.

Thanks! It's the smaller purple wire (from fuse box after the starter relay, down to the solenoid).

The main power cable has a ring terminal already.

I think I'm gonna take the new harness and just splice it in above the starter.

 

[SpyShops NY]

I would splice if it is a big job to get to the fuse box unless the wire itself is oxidized then shrink wrap, with silicone. When my starter does go I would consider using the starter with the ring terminal. Plug silicone around the connector to protect it. I always do this when installing a starter and I have had positive results in the part 25 years.

 

[PhilD]

Great thanks! I did consider an aftermarket starter from Jegs -- either the hi-torque ministarter type that I've used on other cars or their OEM-style one -- which both have ring terminals for the starter. But I went with an OEM Delco starter that has the plug. The replacement harness is supposed to arrive today, so I'll post pics when it's in.

 

[SpyShops NY]

Great thanks! I did consider an aftermarket starter from Jegs -- either the hi-torque ministarter type that I've used on other cars or their OEM-style one -- which both have ring terminals for the starter. But I went with an OEM Delco starter that has the plug. The replacement harness is supposed to arrive today, so I'll post pics when it's in.

Just put some silicone around the connector and shrink wrap the wires that you cut and you will be good to go.

At least your starter in not in the engine!

 

[PhilD]

yikes!!!

Also found a nice wiring harness mouse-mod when I pulled out the battery

Old vs New

 

[AAIIIC]

Yikes is right! That could've been bad, good thing you found it!

 

[PhilD]

Ended up snipping off broken solenoid connector, splicing on new connector and 18" of wire, then covering with heat-resistant insulation. Starts right up now!

 

[PhilD]

Well as soon as I got back on the road, I blew a water pump and was down for a bit. When it rains it pours

Decided to do pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, upper and lower hoses, tensioner, idler, belt, AC belt etc. And what better time for new coolant since it all ended up in the gym parking lot?

Friendly PSA: if you hear any noise from your water pump, do it now and don't kick the can down the road!

 

[AAIIIC]

What pump did you go for with the snazzy shiny pulley?

 

[PhilD]

It was Gates 45011

More Information for GATES 45011

The old one was only partially shiny