Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: Notesfiles $Revision: 1.7.0.8 $; site convex Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxr!mhuxn!ihnp4!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!convex!tmorris From: tmorris@convex.UUCP Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: Re: Starter Problems Message-ID: <82600004@convex> Date: Tue, 20-Aug-85 12:01:00 EDT Article-I.D.: convex.82600004 Posted: Tue Aug 20 12:01:00 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 24-Aug-85 03:17:50 EDT References: <1635@akgua.UUCP> Lines: 52 Nf-ID: #R:akgua.UUCP:-163500:convex:82600004:000:2194 Nf-From: convex.UUCP!tmorris Aug 20 11:01:00 1985 Heres a freebie tip from an ex G.M. auto - electric tech...... 1. There are several causes of failure to turn over @ high temp. A. weak starter solenoid that will not pull the plunger back due to shorting of some of the solenoid windings from deteriorating insulation . RESULTS :NO CLICK , NO SPIN B. weak solenoid action due to mechanical wear of the plunger. RESULTS : NO CLICK , NO SPIN C. weak solenoid action due to accumulated oil from an oil leak. This builds up into a gummy mass inside the solenoid , and each time it gets hot , it cooks down a little thicker. (usually from close proximity of an exhaust pipe , but I dont think this is your case because chevette's exhaust is on the opposite side of the engine .) D. a dragging starter . The starter armature rubs the field coils due to worn bushings.This is aggravated by high temps due to expansion of the parts. RESULTS : CLICK , SLOW OR NO SPIN , BATTERY CABLES GET HOT E. excessive current draw from insulation breakdown in starter windings. RESULTS : CLICK , SLOW OR NO SPIN F. weak battery . Most engines require more current to spin when hot. Get a load test on the battery FIRST. G. loose battery cable at starter . RESULTS : MAY START HOT AND NOT COLD ,COLD AND NOT HOT ,ONLY ON ALTERNATE TUESDAYS ! 2. Changing starters in most chevettes is a pain ! A. If it has PS & PB it is often easiest to remove the steering column! B> If it is a "plain jane" it is not bad except for the top bolt. (there is a space in the intake manifold you can get thru using extensions and a flex socket - 15mm if memory serves ) 3. Regardless of whether it is the starter or the solenoid , once you have determined that the battery is not at fault , and that the cables are tight ,proceed to install a rebuilt starter , complete with solenoid from a reputable manufacturer. On a chevette , the savings realized by only changing the solenoid or only the starter are not in any way worth the aggravation of doing it again..... HAPPY MOTORING !