Starter Question - 88 80q

[Huw Powell]

> Seems that I'm having problems with my starter, especially when the
> temperatures are high.  First thing in the morning, no problems starting.
> After having driven maybe 20-30 minutes and then turning off and letting it
> sit for a while (more than 5 minutes) and then trying to start, that's when
> the problems start.  If I turn the key, get a 'kchuuung...kchuuung' sound.
> Have to turn the ignition maybe 2-3 times to start.  After each kchuung,
> I'll pause maybe 3-5 seconds, try again and then it'll start.
> 
> So, question is, I'm not sure if it's the starter or the ignition switch.
> Any ideas how what to check?  How easy/hard are the starter/ignition switch
> to replace?

there are a few useful diagnostics here that may shed some light...

measure the current to the starter while cranking (takes a tool made for
this job, most garages should have one)

measure the voltage at the starter and battery while cranking cold, and
hot.

Personally I think your start is on the way out and it gets heat soaked
from the exhaust pipes, making it not work right.

no harm in removing it, cleaning it up, check the quality of the thick
braided wire from the solenoid to the motor, clean up it's mounting
area, this is the ground, lubricate anything on it you can figure will
help.

But I'd throw in a new starter (rebuilts run from $100 up).

I have had hot start problems where the engine will crank and not start,
voltage pulled to low by old starter to run the ECU's and stuff.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/