Occasionally, when I turn the key the engine won't turn over, just get a click. Then I let loose the key and try again and it works. What would this be? selenoid? Starter motor? wouldn't think its the starter wire, though I have been wrong before. Similar thing happened to my friends Jeep and now his won't start at all.

Just for reference, how long would it take to change a starter for a novice mechanic like myself?

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Flowmaster,Edelbrock open filliment filter with K&N filter in it
160 stat,

 

Does this problem occur at any time or only when the engine is hot, say if you've been running around town and then stop somewhere and then try to start it? And if you try to start it, and it won't start as you say, and you attempt it again, does it start everytime on the second try? Or do you have to wait a few minutes or so, and then all of a sudden it will start? It sounds like the solenoid, so to answer your other question about changing the starter, it is simple... Disconnect the pos terminal on your battery first. Get up under the car and you will see all the wiring for your starter, and unhook all that. All you have left is the (2) 9/16 bolts holding the starter on to the block. You'll need to take the dust cover off your tranny, too. Once you have the starter off, it's gonna be a PITA to get out, so if you want to save yourself some grief, you'll need to remove the solenoid from the starter. Very simple. Disconnect the terminal to the starter, and take off the 2 little bolts and then rotate the solenoid about 1/4 turn, and it's off. This can be done very easily with the starter just laying on your pipes. After that, move the starter forward towards the front of the car, rotate it up 90 degrees so it's vertical, and it should come right out between the pipes and the block. Just be careful, cuz there's a knock sensor right in that area that you could damage if you hit it. Just do the reverse for the install... If you get confused on wiring it back up, all the big terminals hook up to the one big stud and the little one goes to the "I" terminal on the solenoid... Good luck...

KAM

 

Thanks for your reply thunder.
To answer you question, This problem does not hspprn st sny particular time, hot, cold etc. And yes It always starts the second time; well, at least turns over. I may just replace the thing now just to be safe rather than getting stranded somewhere.


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Flowmaster,Edelbrock open filliment filter with K&N filter in it
160 stat,

 

I had a similar problem recently. It turned out to be the ignition switch. You can get your starter checked for free at most autoparts stores. If it was only doing it when the engine was hot it would be the solenoid getting heated by the exhaust. You should start checking parts and connections before you replace anything. My car finally died for good and I was forced to check everything I could think of before I figured it out.

 

Well, last friday I took the starter out, went to go have it tested and it tested bad, so I got a new one and put it in. Now I still seem to have the same problem, when I turn the key sometimes it clinks, I can hear it under the car, so its obviously getting power, especially since it always starts eventually. But I am baffled, The wires looked in fine condtion and are on there tight.

 

only other suggestion I can make now is for the starter enable relay. You've replaced the starter, which pretty much eliminates that... The starter enable relay is located behind the driver side kick panel, down low, probably behind what looks like a rubber cover, has about 4 wires on it, if I remember correctly. Also make sure all your connections are clean on the starter and battery, including grounds...

KAM