Update: Starter on 5000S?

[Thom Jones]

Thanks, all for the suggestions.
I checked the boneyards in the area for a used one to no avail.  Best
thing I found nearby was a remfg one for $178.
Since I was almost sure it was the starter, I decided to go for it. 
Biggest problem was getting it out - the top bolt was okay where it
threads directly into the starter housing.  But the bottom bolt head
had been sheared off sometime in its past life - like a previous owner
had tried to replace it but gave up after his vice grips broke off two
sides of the bolt head.  Had to bang on the nut 5 degrees at a time
until it loosened up. Argh.
Glad to say, though, that several hours later, the new one is
installed and it starts fantastically!  I should have done this months
ago rather than live with the erratic starting.
Thanks again.


On 7/15/05, Thom Jones <guydonges at gmail.com> wrote:
> Before I go through the herculean task of replacing the starter in my
> '88 5000S, I thought I'd ask and see if the symptom really fit my
> proposed 'cure'.
> The car almost always starts fine when cold (and when I have enough
> cca in the battery).  But let it warm up a bit whether from the engine
> running or from the 90 degree temps outside and the starter motor just
> spins without turning over the engine.  Sometimes the starter will
> catch for a second or two but then disengages and just spins again.
> Sure sounds like the starter to me, but before I spend the $200 and
> the hours of work, I thought I'd ask for a concurring opinion.
> Thanks for any insight!
>