I've been having extreme starter problems since I swapped a 3.4 in for the old 3.1.

At first it drew over 200 amps just to crank over the motor.

Then it started being intermittent where the car would act like it had a dead battery and not crank at all, then on the 5th or 6th try it would start right up.

Then it started making weird noises when I started the car.

Finally it started the car this morning, but just kept spinning independent of the flywheel (flexplate, whatever). I had to disconnect the battery to get it to stop. If I re-connect the battery, the starter starts spinning all on its own and the engine doesn't move.

So is the starter toast, or is this a common problem that can be fixed?

 

I would check your powers and grounds good

what happens is you get low voltage and it won't turn the eng., won't do anything at all and if the voltage is low enough the starter solenoid welds the contacts to it's self and stays running.


some times a good wack of the hammer will break it loose again but, I would get a new starter now

 

Hmmm, that's kinda weird.

The starter grounds itself through the bolts into the block right? I have 2 separate 4 gauge power wires going to the power terminal, so I don't think power is the problem. Is it possible to have a bad ground connection?

 

yes, it uses the block but, the mating area needs to be clean, the battery ground wire not only at the block but, at the battery.

same goes with the power cable


you would be surprised at what some cables read for a voltage drop

 

Sounds like its the soleniod sticking...

Grab a new starter they are fairly cheap for a OEM one.

 

Ok thanks!

I'll check the voltage at the starter connections while I'm under there too.