| Author | Message | ||
     Arthur S. Au (Arthur) New Member Username: Arthur Post Number: 33 Registered: 10-2002 |
This began happening intermittently upon cold start about two months ago but perhaps more often now. Turn key, just hear something like a motor (starter) spinning, but engine does not crank. So far, if I switch off and restart, it cranks as normal and starts. Some other info: - 103K - Battery 12+ volts with truck off - Daily driver - Confirmed plug next to distributor and plug next to coil not loose but did not disconnect and clean contacts - Drives normal - Fuel pumps 31 PSI upon cold start (can use new one, I think) - Fuel filter 10K old - Plugs, wires, cap and rotor arm not more than 1 year old - Been using K&N airfilter for a couple of years. MAF connector tight, contacts clean - No dash warning light on - For a couple of years now, sometimes within 2 to 3 seconds after starting up cold, I could hear some grinding as if the starter arm was lazy and not returning quick enough Is it the starter? Welcome all suggestions. | ||
| Paul Kennington (P_kennington) Member Username: P_kennington Post Number: 59 Registered: 12-2002 |
Arthur, the way a sterter motor works is that it spins the shaft which 'throws' out a splined collar which connects with the flywheel and turns the engine. When the engine fires and you release the starter, the collar retracts from the flywheel and off you go. I had a '71 LR which had grime on the shaft- the collar either wouldn't connect with the flywheel or wouldn't retract, giving identical symptoms as yours. Maybe it's gunked up with gelatinous oil, then the heat from your first try frees it? Just a thought! Cheers, Paul. | ||
| Arthur S. Au (Arthur) New Member Username: Arthur Post Number: 37 Registered: 10-2002 |
Paul, sounds like my problem. You think the starter has to be replaced? | ||
| Paul Kennington (P_kennington) Member Username: P_kennington Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2002 |
Arthur, not necessarily- I'm not convinced that's the problem as I'm not a mechanic! Is the rig still under warranty? Do you have a reputable mechanic? If you are pretty good with a wrench yourself you might take the starter off and look at it- should be able to hold the unit and have someone turn the key- that'll tell you pretty well if it's working. Also, how cold is cold? Good luck! Paul. | ||
| Jason Bradley (Jbradley) New Member Username: Jbradley Post Number: 25 Registered: 04-2003 |
On the RRC models you can remove the starter via the 2 bolts and wire connector holding it on and take it to a shop to have it bench tested and maybe re-built. Do it yourself and it will be cheap and easy. At a dealer you are gonna pay out the nose.. Maybe yer ignition tumbler is old too and is staying turned a bit too long causing it to turn over a tiny bit longer than needed causing the starter to fail prematurely and now it is melba toast ? |
