Sporadic Starting Problems
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,732
Likes: 2
From: Yes .....VA
Sporadic Starting Problems
Hello all.....great Vette forum here...
Having some starting problems with my 91...with a cold startup it takes a few turns of the key to turn over the L98....the first few turns result in a "clunk" sound....almost as if the battery is dead (Which is not the problem, as it is new and I have full power to lights, accessories, etc). I am inclined to think that this is a solenoid issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Save the Wave!! :confused:
Having some starting problems with my 91...with a cold startup it takes a few turns of the key to turn over the L98....the first few turns result in a "clunk" sound....almost as if the battery is dead (Which is not the problem, as it is new and I have full power to lights, accessories, etc). I am inclined to think that this is a solenoid issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Save the Wave!! :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (vette5)
you don't mention miles... sounds like the starter.
they don't normally fail. the newer ones are nippondenso, and are noted to last forever.
Rebuilding them consists of replacing the contacts.
but that clunk has me worried... the bendix on these things is downright indestructable! but you never know...
they don't normally fail. the newer ones are nippondenso, and are noted to last forever.
Rebuilding them consists of replacing the contacts.
but that clunk has me worried... the bendix on these things is downright indestructable! but you never know...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,732
Likes: 2
From: Yes .....VA
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (bogus)
The car has 62k.....I describe it as a "clunk"....more like the starter is getting a jolt of juice initially....more accurately its a click....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (vette5)
Hello,
Check the connections on the starter, especially the fitting from the battery. Make sure all solenoid wires are tight. If problems persist, consider removing the starter and taking it to a local rebuildier. Also, check the starter bolts for proper torque. The clunk is most curious.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Check the connections on the starter, especially the fitting from the battery. Make sure all solenoid wires are tight. If problems persist, consider removing the starter and taking it to a local rebuildier. Also, check the starter bolts for proper torque. The clunk is most curious.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (dlmeyers)
Open up your starter solenoid and replace the two copper contacts inside. If that isn't the problem maybe the starter needs to be shimed up. I just got some copper and made a new set of contacts. Cost me about $10.00 and it has worked perfectly for the past 3 years. I think 90% of bad starters are caused by this.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (vette5)
Sounds like the solenoid contacts. Go to your Toyota dealer (yes Toyota). Tell them what year the car is and ask for the battery and start side contacts.
They look like this:
There is a plunger in the center of the solenoid that has a ring on it that you need to file down a bit. From what I can tell, the ring will last until the next rebuild (maybe a third) at which time I would replace the brushes as well.
Take a copy of the picture because you have to be sure you get the correct battery side connector. If your feeling lazy (just email me - don't bid), I am selling this on ebay for 35 bucks. Its double the price but someone has to pay for the shipping and me going to the dealer.
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 12:54 PM 4/18/2002]
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 12:55 PM 4/18/2002]
They look like this:
There is a plunger in the center of the solenoid that has a ring on it that you need to file down a bit. From what I can tell, the ring will last until the next rebuild (maybe a third) at which time I would replace the brushes as well.
Take a copy of the picture because you have to be sure you get the correct battery side connector. If your feeling lazy (just email me - don't bid), I am selling this on ebay for 35 bucks. Its double the price but someone has to pay for the shipping and me going to the dealer.
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 12:54 PM 4/18/2002]
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 12:55 PM 4/18/2002]
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (KYVette90)
Those Toyota parts won't work for all starters. My parts look completely different.
[Modified by AquaMetallic94LT1, 1:53 PM 4/19/2002]
Racer
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Vienna VA
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (vette5)
I recently had a similar problem, but I would guess that my problem is a low probability for you. I found out that my head gasket was slowly leaking water into one of my cylinders. Well, water doesn't compress well on the engines compression stroke. I found the problem by removing the spark plugs and turning over the engine by the starter. Water poored out of one of the spark plug holes. The fix was remove and reseal the headbolts and retorque the head bolts. I would have been ticked off, if I had replace the starter only to find out that it did not fix the problem.
Carl
Carl
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 4
From: Guam
Re: Sporadic Starting Problems (Carl90)
It sounds like a starter solenoid. However, when the solenoid contacts start to go, then the brushes in the starter must be close behind in wear. For maximum reliability, it is better to replace the entire assembly with a rebuilt one. And with very good prices for starters these days, it would be cheap insurance to replace it and not worry about being stranded in the wrong place at a bad time. Don't forget to clean and lubricate the battery terminals also while you are at it.
:cool: :cheers: :seeya
:cool: :cheers: :seeya