Starter issue

Tiny
WAVERIDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 6 CYL
  • 175,000 MILES
Intermittently, my vehicle listed above V6 the starter begins to spin freely, then binds or grabs and then releases to spin freely again. I have replaced the starter and battery but the problem remains. (Like a power short of some kind?)
Sunday, November 15th, 2020 AT 7:43 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Clearly I would suspect the starter is the issue on this but if you replaced it and it is doing the same then then we have to assume there is another issue. So we need to go to the starter and check voltage to find out what the possible issues are.

I attached the wiring diagram and you should have 12 volts all the time on the black wire. Which I suspect you will.

Then we need to have 12 volts on the other wire only when you are turning the key to start. Let's monitor the voltage when the starter is engaging and disengaging and that will tell us we have a control issue if the voltage is low or varying. Let's start here and see what happens. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring
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Sunday, November 15th, 2020 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
WAVERIDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I will need to get assistance in the next day or so to evaluate your answer and respond. Thank you so much for the advice!
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Sunday, November 15th, 2020 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

Just to add to this, if it is the starter motor, I attached the procedure and a guide for you for the repair.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Roy

Upon removal of starter, note if any shims are used. If shims are used, they should be reinstalled in their original location during installation.
If starter is noisy during cranking, remove one .015 inch double shim or add one .015 inch single shim to the outer bolt. If starter makes a high pitched whine after firing, add .015 inch double shims until noise ceases.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove flywheel cover attaching bolts, then the cover.
4. Disconnect all electrical wires from starter.
5. Remove starter motor attaching bolts, then the motor by rotating the solenoid side toward the vehicle.
6. Reverse procedure to install. Torque starter attaching bolts to 32 ft. lbs. and inspection cover bolts to 89 inch lbs.
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Sunday, November 15th, 2020 AT 2:29 PM

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