Starter Problems?

[Derek Pulvino]

Hey gang (including those of you responding off list),

So finally had some more time to look into this problem today.  Last 
tuesdya, I did replace about 6-inches of bad wiring to the solenoid 
(insulation fell off in my hand, and had some corrosion on conduits).  That 
had no effect as after replacing the wiring still no start.  Just for 
curiousity, I then measured the resistance on the removed section of 
wiring...no measurable resistance.  As I had to get things done and was out 
of town late last week for work, I hadn't dug any deeper until today.

This AM, went outside to check and see if it would start (just for 
grins)...wouldn't you know it did start!  Took it for a drive and turned the 
car off on many downhill streets.  Found that of the 10-15 times I turned it 
off, it restarted with the starter about 70% of the time.  Talked to a 
friend of mine today who recomended the "hammer test."  This is is how it's 
done: if the car doesn't start, hit the starter with a hammer.  If it starts 
after the "hammering," looking at a bad starter, which would make more sense 
with the sudden failure.  Apparently this is a common dealer trick for bad 
starters and fuel pumps.  Gives just enough freedom to the bad part to get 
into the garage.

Now to see if it's repeatable.

Derek P


>Take a look at the wiring in the pix of our 4kq starter, Derek.  It
>suddenly quit working.  I ended up splicing it way up in the engine
>compartment, where the corroded wiring ended.
>http://www.pbase.com/kneale_brownson/image/43663744
>
>
>At 01:31 PM 12/12/2005 -0800, Derek Pulvino wrote:
> >In as much as corrosion is a gradual problem, wouldn't I see some hints 
>of
> >harder starting over time as the wiring bungs up?  I don't think it's a
> >problem at the battery as everything else works fine (ie lights).
> >
> >Remember also that it appears there is no current getting to the motor
> >itself when it's in the car.  While installed, the starter motor does not
> >move or make any noise at all.  I'm guessing my problem is with the 
>trigger
> >wire from the key, but I just have a hard time imagining that wire needs 
>to
> >carry  very much current to gets it's job done.
>