Hi there!,

I recently bought a 1965 Fleetwood brougham (a real dream come true), and (tried to) drive it back home. The car was in a technically sound condition.
Brand new starter, alternator, gearbox, fanbelts, fuel pump and so on.


Just as I was about to turn off the highway after driving for about an hour straight, the fanbelt snapped. I came to a standstill at the junction off the highway, and a big load of smoke started to come from the engine compartment. I shut the engine off straight away.The engine had ran for at most 2 minutes from when the belt snapped to coming to the junction, going no faster than 50 miles an hour.

The coolant had gone everywhere because there was no fan to cool the water (which explained the smoke). After about 30 minutes I started the car no problem and moved it forward a few feet (since we were in the middle of a T junction) and turned the engine off again. We late saw the fan belt had broke, and retrieved about half of it...
Sadly the battery was starting to go, so when I tried to start the engine once more, she cranked about twice and then nothing.

The car was eventually towed to where it should be, but even up until now, I don't have the proper tools or bridge properly inspect the car.
Yesterday I finally had the chance to check the car. the oil was extremely low, but clean. No leaks, the spark plugs were clean too, all the windows, lights and even radio work, but the engine still won't start when you turn the key.

After taking a close look at the starter, I seemed to have found the problem (see picture). Some kind of bolt going from the starter solenoid to the starter is completely burnt/melted through. I checked all the cables with a multi-meter and everything is getting the right amount of power it should. All points are clean and non corroded as well.




My question is; can this bolt or connection be replaced, or should I replace the starter completely? Did I cause this by starting the car on a low battery? And why would the fuel level be so low?

All I want to do is get this beauty fixed and go back to cruisin', it really is a privilege to drive an authentic Cadillac from a very different era.

Many thanks in advance, I look forward to reading your reply,

Andrew