Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

[Liquid_force]

Hi, haven't been in for a while. Not sure about this new layout. Seems really slow and search function is unusual.
I digress --
My problem...

'89 OMC 4.3L cobra

Having intermittent starter issues. Battery is always charged, but every few times the key is turned the engine is either slow to turn over (maybe 20-30% of the time), or occasionally it won't crank at all or just go one rev (<%10) and stop.
Let off the key, turn it again and it generally starts fine.

The rest of the time it cranks smoothly and fires right up.

Could this be a starter wearing out or do you think there may be another problem?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

Hi, haven't been in for a while. Not sure about this new layout. Seems really slow and search function is unusual.
I digress --

Ayuh,...... It Ain't just You......

As for your starter,......
I'd begin with removing, cleaning,+ reinstalling All the Wiring Ends 1st,.....
Don't forget the Grounds......

If that doesn't Cure the Problem,........
I'd Pull the Starter,+ Replace It.......

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

Sounds like a bad ground connection to me. Rusty wire connectors and loose joints can cause it.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

hmm - that's always a possibility, but I believe the battery ground wire attaches right at the starter - maybe even uses a starter bolt, and both wires look dang near new.

It's a start though. Can't say that I've actually "inspected" the connections themselves.

We're just trying to decide if our spring prep should include replacing the starter or not.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

Well,.........

You Could throw a $150.00 Starter on it,+ Hope that's it.......
Or,......
Check,+ Clean the Wiring 1st.......

I guess the Choice is Your's...........

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

Attack it like my Brother-in-law.Replace the battery,then the starter,then the alternator.Then call me,and I tighten the alternator belt.

DHP

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

"Looking" at a battery cable connection is sort of like a doctor "looking" at you and diagnosing a disease. As was suggested, disconnect the positive and negative battery cables at both ends. Clean and inspect them carefully. Check where the cable enters the terminal. Any swelling or signs of corrosion are indications of a bad cable. Either cut off the terminal and install a new one or siimply replace the cable. Throw the wing nuts on the battery terminals in the trash and replace them with a stainless star washer and nut so you can actually tighten them. If the problem is not resolved, do a voltage test at the starter solenoid and starter so see if voltage is being lost on its way to the starter. And by the way, how old is this battery? You say its charged, but unless its been load tested and proven ok, that fully charged battery may lose its cranking ability in a matter of minutes if it is on its way to battery heaven. Try a known good battery. Last resort to rebuild the starter.

 

[Autotech1]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

Noone mentioned hydro-lock from leaki risers/manifolds. check em. And as silvertip said, votlage drop test BOTH cables. Voltage drop is better than ohms cause resistance can change according to load.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

You can't measure ohms because the difference between good and bad is in the hundredths of ohms which you really can't measure with a DVM.

Resistance will not change with load.

 

[lilmandavis]

Re: Is this a typical sign of starter failure?

what about your timing. after sanding and dielectric greasing all the connections, check to make sure your timing is all good.