BoobSter-lt1-z

I cranked up my car today and it sound like the started grabbed for a sec but then spinned. I tried it 3 times and all I heard was the spinning. On the 4th one it cranked right up.

Its cold (about 50*) and raining down here and the last time the starter spun like this was last week and it only did it once.

Is it a sign of my starter going out? or is it just the weather?

I have heard very good things about the LT4 starter and that might be my
replacement option if i need a new one soon

Thanks A lot in Advance...

Quick96Z

yeah, sounds like she is just spinning on the flywheel/flexplate. High output electricals have a real hard time when its cold out, and maybe it's just taking a couple of attempts before the starter gear is fully extending..sorry for the bad news man


trav

BoobSter-lt1-z

hopefully its just the cold weather....

what sux is that the starter has a lifetime warranty and the shop I used to take my car to shut down and all I have is their receipt but no receipt or idea where it came from...

Quick96Z

if you are lucky it is an autolite, if it is the local checker auto parts should have a record of it (we store everything in our computer system). Good luck buddy


trav

BoobSter-lt1-z

Ohh....
THANKS A LOT !!!... Ill look for my Shop INvoice and check for any #'s...

BoobSter-lt1-z

went @ 10 am to start up my car to go on my lunch break...
starter just spinning...spinning...and spinning after every try!...
Guess I am stuck at the Happiest Place on Earth...WORK!!!

BoobSter-lt1-z

If i buy my own starter, how long will it take if i do the job myself?...
This will be my 1st time replacing a starter. Will I run into any problems as far as trying to fit it in?

I have read on a post and it says to just unbolt (2) bolts and remove the
wires, hook up new wires, stick in the starter, and bolt it back up...is this right? or will I have to make sure the starter fits into something perfectly?

BUBBA

Perhaps you don't have enough power to activate the bendix. However, if you are certain that your battery is up to snuff, then you might have to replace the starter which is not that big a deal, other than expense.

Make sure its not the battery.

Also, you might tap the starter a couple of times in order to get you home, if it is the starter itself. JMHO

BoobSter-lt1-z

I tried tapping it but cant find it...
I know its not the battery because the gauge shows the needle a little under
1/2 point...

It sounds like it just spins so i dont think it is sticking...

they are charging me $135 for a new starter at a repair shop around the
block...not bad i guess since i am stuck at work and my insurance only
covers 6 miles of towing

BUBBA

What gauge, the charging gauge? That doesn't tell you anything about your battery. Again, if your battery is not good, that may be your problem.

I'd guess that most problems involving starting are the result of a poor battery.

At any rate, you should always have a good battery with plenty of warranty on it, since most bats don't live longer than the warranty and sooner or later its going to be the battery that gives you starting problems.

Many moons ago I swapped out my share of starters only to find out later that it was in fact the battery. Just trying to save you a possible problem. JMHO

Lower

A bad battery won't sound like the starter gear not engaging. If that is the sound you're hearing, then it is the starter.
If it's a fast clicking sound or no sound at all, then it may be the battery.

BoobSter-lt1-z

Thanks for the replies...

Its not the battery then...
It sounds like I am turning on a blender when i crank and then it when i stop
the spinning comes to a slow halt...

this will be the 4th time i replace it in the last 3 yrs!!

BUBBA

Well, if it's not the battery, and you have gone through more than a couple of starters, you may have a boogered ring gear. So if you remove the starter and it seems to operate ok, then you may need to check the ring gear which will probably require you inspect the fly all the way around. If it turns out to be a chewed up ring gear than I'm afraid it's time to pull the tranny.

Good luck.

BoobSter-lt1-z

I Had The Tranny Rebuilt About 1 1/2yrs Ago And They Never Said Anything About The Gears For The Starter And It Had Gone Out 3 Times Before That.......could It Just Be That The Shop Kept Replacing It With Piece Of S*** Starters....

meengreen 94z

Sounds like your solenoid isn't pushing the starter drive out to engage the flywheel. Your solenoid pull in windings may have shorted to the solenoid case to the motor terminal, directing the current away from the pullin windings not allowing them to magnetize and pull the plunger in, and directing the current to the starter motor allowing it to spin. In this case you probably just need to replace the solenoid, although replacing the starter brushes and bushings wouldnt be a bad thing depending on their condition.