but would check my battery and battery cables and connections first.
Starter question 1991 base coupe
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: Watkins Glen NY
Starter question 1991 base coupe
Had my transmission rebuilt around this time last year. A couple times the first day I had it back I had starter problems. I could hear the click, try it a few times and then it would go.
From my youth I am thinking that the bendix isn't getting all the way out so it can spin. I had other issues during the summer, so the car didn't move. I drove it everyday towards the end of the summer, but in September I started having a lot of no start issues again. 3, 4, sometimes 7 times before it would catch and start.
My issues during the summer were super heated exhaust system because of clogged cats. cats are empty now, no clogging...
My question is would the transmission guy have to remove the starter to drop the tranny? If so could it just be an alignment issue instead of a bad starter. Or could I have damaged the started or wiring with all the excess heat from the exhaust issues?
Gotta start getting this car fixed up so it will be ready when all the salt is gone. sadly with all the tie I spent under the car last summer I didn't pay attention to where the start was, I know in general where it should be on a small block. But I never looked for it.
From my youth I am thinking that the bendix isn't getting all the way out so it can spin. I had other issues during the summer, so the car didn't move. I drove it everyday towards the end of the summer, but in September I started having a lot of no start issues again. 3, 4, sometimes 7 times before it would catch and start.
My issues during the summer were super heated exhaust system because of clogged cats. cats are empty now, no clogging...
My question is would the transmission guy have to remove the starter to drop the tranny? If so could it just be an alignment issue instead of a bad starter. Or could I have damaged the started or wiring with all the excess heat from the exhaust issues?
Gotta start getting this car fixed up so it will be ready when all the salt is gone. sadly with all the tie I spent under the car last summer I didn't pay attention to where the start was, I know in general where it should be on a small block. But I never looked for it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hartford WI
Unless you are talking of shimming the trans because the gears are not engaging each other or are too tight, I'm not sure what other adjustment there is.
IF the starter is older I would take it out for testing at a rebuild shop and not Autozone or something like that. They have pronounced that a couple of my starters and alternators were ok. Took it to a rebuild shop, had it taken apart and there were issues.
Assuming it is an old starter, that is where I would go first. You are getting the click which is the signal to the starter to throw the bendix out. It could also be that there isn't enough juice going to the starter but again, with an old starter, I want to verify that it works first.
IF the starter is older I would take it out for testing at a rebuild shop and not Autozone or something like that. They have pronounced that a couple of my starters and alternators were ok. Took it to a rebuild shop, had it taken apart and there were issues.
Assuming it is an old starter, that is where I would go first. You are getting the click which is the signal to the starter to throw the bendix out. It could also be that there isn't enough juice going to the starter but again, with an old starter, I want to verify that it works first.
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'91 is the compact starter and I believe it's very likely time for a "tune-up". You would of course have to make sure it's the OE and not an after-market "something or other". Without removal there's no way to confirm what's really there.
You've good reason to remove anyway so ... have at it.
The check by a shop rather than a "parts chain" is likely a very good idea.
When removed post back with any information on the starter, on a label and maybe a snapshot of it. That could help ID what's there.
You've good reason to remove anyway so ... have at it.
The check by a shop rather than a "parts chain" is likely a very good idea.
When removed post back with any information on the starter, on a label and maybe a snapshot of it. That could help ID what's there.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Feb 22, 2016 at 10:49 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,474
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
'91 is the compact starter and I believe it's very likely time for a "tune-up". You would of course have to make sure it's the OE and not an after-market "something or other". Without removal there's no way to confirm what's really there.
The check by a shop rather than a "parts chain" is likely a very good idea.
The check by a shop rather than a "parts chain" is likely a very good idea.
Or you can eternally chase why they declared it good but you still have battery issues. I mean, when you jump it, you are giving it a boost so it can do the job. When it is hot, it moves easier. So it leads you to a bad battery. After all, Autozone or Advance Auto, etc has said the starter is good so the problem is in your battery, right? Again, Ask me how I know disassembly and getting eyes is better than just a min wage person "testing" it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 249
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From: Watkins Glen NY
Thanks guys. I replaced the battery when I had the tranny rebuilt but I will check all the starter and battery wiring anyway.
I had this issue with a Jeep I had in high school. Just moved the starter a little bit and tightened it down, Never had the problem again. If all the wiring checks out I might just replace the starter because I don't have any paperwork that the starter has ever been changed.
I had this issue with a Jeep I had in high school. Just moved the starter a little bit and tightened it down, Never had the problem again. If all the wiring checks out I might just replace the starter because I don't have any paperwork that the starter has ever been changed.
Team Owner
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Don't even consider a replacement if you can confirm by information on the starter that it's OE. It might require a "tune-up" like I mentioned but that's likely a less than $20 parts bill & easily accomplished.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 492
Likes: 40
From: SE Ohio
St. Jude Donor '16-'17-'18,'19
I had the same problem on a 91 several years ago. It turned out (after replacing the starter) that it was the ignition switch down lower on the steering column. There is an adjustment on it but I can't remember if it was on the switch or the actuator rod.
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The solenoid gets its ground from inside the starter. If there is a loose connection you will have the symptoms you describe. As suggested, take the starter out and have it tested.
Another possibility is that the starter solenoid isn't getting adequate voltage to pull in. The circuit goes through the ignition switch starter windings and then through the clutch safety switch (manual trans) or neutral/park safety switch (auto trans). The VATS starter enable relay is also involved.
Another possibility is that the starter solenoid isn't getting adequate voltage to pull in. The circuit goes through the ignition switch starter windings and then through the clutch safety switch (manual trans) or neutral/park safety switch (auto trans). The VATS starter enable relay is also involved.