Ok been on a post in tech/gen engine regarding problems with car stalling while driving which turned out to be due to a bad ignition module. Got it replaced and everything ran ok for about 30-45 minutes.

On way home, I smelled burning while at a stop light....like burning wires. Tried to get home but car stalled shortly after and white smoke puffed out from underneathe. OPened hood (it was dark) all I could see was my sub amp wiring was disconnected at the inline fuse but nothing obvious.

Tried to restart and all I got was "clicking" several times. Good power all accessories.

Got a jump, but the result was the same. Towed home.

I replaced the starter yesterday afternoon and had all the wiring snugged tightly. Dont know what happened. Been at work all day so havent been able to inspect.

Any clues?

 

Long time no see, Matt!

When did you replace the starter? And did you test it? I am kinda unclear on that.
Was the clicking coming from the starter? Loud? Quiet? Lights dimming?

I'd recommend inspecting under the hood with a good light and looking for burnt wires. If you smelled burning insulation and saw smoke, it must have come from somewhere.

Lou

 

Hey brother! It has been awhile. You may be the only other person in Austin with a camaro vert. I live southeast but usually cruise Congress sat and sun mornings (when the vert is running ). Ive been wanting to join the fbod club here in town but have just been busy.

Anyway...I just bought the starter Sunday evening (reman from Autozone)and put it on yesterday afternoon. I dont think the lights dimmed when I tried cranking it. I dont think its the batt. I tried jumping it but considered maybe the batt was completely dead. But that wouldnt be the case if I get all accessories on.

You're right: the smoke/smell came from somewhere. Just got home from work and about to go investigate. I have a starter wrap on it and think the hot wires came loose from the starter and touched the wrap. I say this because I smelled not only burning wires but the distinct smell of burning paper as well.

Will update shortly.

 

No wires burnt from the top area of the engine.

Batt checks at 12.1 volts.

Loked at the starter. The starter heat wrap was the nasty burning smell. Its a tad singed but smells exactly like what i smelled last night when it all went down.

Looks I tightened down the hot wires on the starter too close to the ground and there looks like there was some contact between the terminals.

Freed up the terminal connections so no contact; still loud starter clicking.

DAMN!!! I shorted out a brand new (well, reman) starter!

I guess you live and you learn. To Autozone, once again.

 

Autozone? New starter? Hahahah, keep dreaming! It's probably a used 20y/o starter from Mexiko that they painted and put on the shelf.

Anyway, if the starter clicks when you turn the key, does it eventually turn over if you keep turning the key forward repeatedly?

Lou

P.S.: Man, if you're in Austin, you GOTTA come by!! And join the local 3rdgen club! We have 6 verts here, with 2 belonging to active members. Actually, my buddy (with a NICE red vert) is coming by tomorrow night to work on it. If you want to join us, meet us, talk about stuff, look at some problems you have, feel free to stop by. PM me for address and #.

 

I pulled the starter to inspect and it looks like I fried the wire from the solenoid to the actual starter mechanism. Free swap. Installed starter. All I got was a "click"...just one this time. Was about to throw a wrench. Batt volts were at 12.1 but I got a jump. Fired up right away.

Guess batt volts were not bad, but prob just didnt have the cranking amps. Exchanged battery (under warranty). Drove to work this morning

Wow what an ordeal!

P.S. It would be great to stop by! Thanks for the invite. Will PM you.