Starting problems- need opinions!

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Oct 9, 2003 | 01:32 AM

Fartleker

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Albuquerque NM

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11

Starting problems- need opinions!

Sometimes after my car sits for a while (such as overnight), it is incredibly hard to start. When I turn the key, the engine does not seem to be turning over at all, and there is no sound coming from the engine. All of the interior lights and dash lights and whatnot come on immediately, so I am thinking things with the battery are fine. The voltage of the battery also seems to be ok. However, it will sometimes takes 20-30 turns of the key to get the engine up and running.

Should I be looking at a new starter? What could be going on here? I am hoping to get some opinions before changing a bunch of things and spending tons of money.

Thanks!

Oct 9, 2003 | 01:39 AM

B84RADR

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 1,083

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From: Spanish Fork Utah

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

When I had this happen to me, it ended up being a loose connection to the starter. I didn't have a clue how to troubleshoot it, so I took it to a place that works on the electrical system of the car. $40. Problem solved.

You should also look for a draw on the system. Again, I'm no expert at this but there is a place to start.

Shayne

[Modified by sspackman, 11:41 PM 10/8/2003]

Oct 9, 2003 | 01:45 AM

Goody

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Oak Harbor WA

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

Hmm, could still be the battery. It doesn't take too many volts to power all the lights and stuff, but takes lots of amps to crank over the engine.
But, do you mean it seems to be hard starting? You describe it as being really quiet. Do you mean the flywheel is cranking over very slowly?? Very well could be a starter. Check the starter wires and connections for corrosion and tightness, clean battery terminals too.

Oct 9, 2003 | 08:15 PM

Fartleker

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

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From: Albuquerque NM

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

Quote:

In a way I guess it is hard starting. The engine just won't make any sounds at all. The only thing I hear when putting the key in is the "click" that it makes as the key turns. It takes many tries to get the engine up and running. So, yes, I hear nothing. But, it only takes one magical try later on and the engine sounds great.

The positive side of the battery terminal does look kinda corroded. I'll check that out tomorrow. Any special way to clean it?

Also, should I invest in some new spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and a rotor to make things any better? Or is this not a likely cause?

Oct 9, 2003 | 09:42 PM

dwestsr

Pro

Joined: Sep 2003

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From: charlotte nc

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

I had the ame problem. Turned out to be a bad starter solenoid. replaced starter with a remanufactured one from Advance Auto for $31 after core charge. End of problem. If you car has a lot of miles on it , you might as well replace the whole starter rather than replace just the solenoid since you have to remove the starter to replace the solenoid anyway. Good luck! :cheers: :cheers:

Oct 10, 2003 | 12:01 PM

jfb

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

We need a better description of your problem. I take it that the starter motor does not crank the engine until after many tries of the ignition switch to its crank position. First remove both battery terminals (neg first) and clean the cable lugs and the battery terminals until they are bright, then replace the cables (neg last). The starter motor draws 100+ amps and requires a good low resistance connection to the battery.

Oct 10, 2003 | 02:08 PM

Steel Blue 91

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 5,818

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From: Alive and well in Burlington NC

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (UA89Vette)

You said that you have interior and dash lights. Do they dim when you try to crank the engine? How about head lights - do they dim or go out when you crank? If they do, I would suspect the battery. If not, look at replacing the starter. I had a similar issue with my 86 pickup beater. Wouldn't crank at all. All the lights, gages and chimes worked fine and the lights held steady when I tried to start. Replaced the started with a reman from Auto Zone (33.50 after core return) and all is well.

Oct 10, 2003 | 02:39 PM

Fartleker

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From: Albuquerque NM

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11

Re: Starting problems- need opinions! (Steel Blue 91)

Ok, thanks. After checking out the battery, I might have found the problem. The positive battery cable was corroded and stuck onto the battery. After trying to get the cable off, part of the battery came off as well, so I can't imagine the connection was what it should have been. So, I'm going to replace the battery and the cable, and go from there. Thanks!