occasional starter problems

rfuerst911sc · 02-23-2003, 08:26 AM

I have owned my 1983SC for about 6 months now and on 2 occasions when the motor was hot and shut off when I went to restart the starter would not engage,let it cool for 30 minutes to an hour and it works just fine.I have many records from the previous owner but nothing telling me about starter replacement so I will assume it is original.I am thinking to start with removing all the wires to the starter,clean them up and then re-install with a little dielectric grease on them,I am also going to look at the ground cable/strap to see its condition,am I on the right path here?Any other ideas?Thanks

Jim Sims · 02-23-2003, 08:39 AM

IMO your outlined procedure is the first and the least expensive step. I would also check the condition of the battery cables up front at the battery. You may have a sticking solenoid on the starter (gets worse when the starter is hot - heat comes from engine - due to thermal expansion reducing moving part clearances) which some times people fix by taking apart. relubricating and reassembling. However many simply install a new starter, high torque verson or OEM. If your problem persists after servicing the connections you may want to consider replacing the starter if it has a lot of time/miles on it. Cheers, Jim

rstoll · 02-23-2003, 08:59 AM

Might clean the 14 pin connector in the engine compartment first. It's easier to get at than the starter cables, and that's where my problem was on my 83.

makaio · 02-23-2003, 11:31 AM

Same problem I had on my SC. It was the solenoid. I had the local Kragen bench test it for me, just for confirmation. Pretty easy job, except for the top barrel nut. I only wish I would have put a high torque starter in, instead of oem, for that cool cranking sound.

tsuter · 02-23-2003, 12:22 PM

Hot vs cold - restart - problem = transmission ground strap and /or starter relay.

Jim Sims · 02-23-2003, 12:48 PM

solenoid = starter relay plus "bendix mechanism"

tsuter · 02-23-2003, 01:33 PM

Interesting- I always thought the Bendix drive mechanism was integral to the starter and that all the relay did was allow the low amp circuit from the ignition switch to close the heavy amp circuit for the starter. Via a relay - solenoid if you will. $15.00. Versus a Bendix drive mechanism getting stuck in dirty starter grooves - likely not heat related - and not sliding to engage the flywheel.

Jim Sims · 02-23-2003, 01:50 PM

Yes, you are correct. I was using solenoid as a general term covering both the relay and pinion insertion mechanism (bendix) functions including the instances when dry and worn bushings in the bendix develop the tendency to jam or stick when hot. Cheers, Jim

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Jim is right on this one. The heat from the heaterboxes discharges into the cavity where the starter is and it makes the solenoid sticky, especially on hot days. A clean-up will help. Search the threads, there is quite a bit of info on the "starter" subject. BTW, the solenoid is on the starter, the relay is on the fuse panel in the front (AT least on my '80 SC). When the solenoid is energized, it pulls the "bendix" mechanism to engage the starter-pinion in the ring gear (Flywheel) and, at the same time, closes internal contacts which energize the starter itself. Of course, greasing up ALL electrical connections, and grounds, with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion, is the smart thing to do.

rfuerst911sc · 02-23-2003, 04:05 PM

Thanks to all,I now have a list of things to check.

tsuter · 02-24-2003, 05:18 AM

Holly smoly Gunter - you got a starter relay on your fuse panel???
I don't even have a "starter fuse". It'd be a big one I guess!
Wonder what kind of car I'm driving?
Are we talking about SCs?

chuckr · 02-24-2003, 05:37 AM

I had the same problem on my 83SC, if you have an origional starter, then I would highly suggest replacing it, I got stranded in rush hour traffic, in a construction zone with no shoulders in Dallas,Tx because of my bad starter,it could be one of the other things mentioned. like graound strap or relay.... but if not,get a new starter, actually a rebuilt starter is what I went with.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Tsuter: The starter relay in the front was put in by the PO as part of the alarm set-up. I don't think there is a relay, or fuse, normally on an SC. I'll check that with the Bentley manual.