mlg@akgua.UUCP (M.L. Graham [Mike]) (08/16/85)
>A 79 Chevette starter that will not turn over when the engine is very hot, >such as when driving 25 miles on the highway with the air conditioner on >and then stopping for about 15 to 30 minutes and then trying to start the >engine. This condition is not constant - most of the time its turns over. > Dick Gunderman I had a similiar problem with my 67 Ford - it started fine when the engine was cold, but wouldn't turn over if the engine was hot. It turned out to be a short in the starter motor when the engine was warm. I assume it was a copper shaving, or something similiar, that was causing no problem when the engine was cold, but when the engine (and hence the starter) was warm, the whatever would expand and cause the short. It would draw so much current it almost melted the cable from the starter switch to the starter. Mike Graham @ AT&T, Atlanta
tmorris@convex.UUCP (08/20/85)
Heres a freebie tip from an ex G.M. auto - electric tech......
1. There are several causes of failure to turn over @ high temp.
A. weak starter solenoid that will not pull the plunger back due to
shorting of some of the solenoid windings from deteriorating
insulation .
RESULTS :NO CLICK , NO SPIN
B. weak solenoid action due to mechanical wear of the plunger.
RESULTS : NO CLICK , NO SPIN
C. weak solenoid action due to accumulated oil from an oil leak.
This builds up into a gummy mass inside the solenoid , and
each time it gets hot , it cooks down a little thicker.
(usually from close proximity of an exhaust pipe , but I dont
think this is your case because chevette's exhaust is on the
opposite side of the engine .)
D. a dragging starter . The starter armature rubs the field coils
due to worn bushings.This is aggravated by high temps due to
expansion of the parts.
RESULTS : CLICK , SLOW OR NO SPIN , BATTERY CABLES GET HOT
E. excessive current draw from insulation breakdown in starter
windings.
RESULTS : CLICK , SLOW OR NO SPIN
F. weak battery . Most engines require more current to spin when
hot. Get a load test on the battery FIRST.
G. loose battery cable at starter .
RESULTS : MAY START HOT AND NOT COLD ,COLD AND NOT HOT ,ONLY ON
ALTERNATE TUESDAYS !
2. Changing starters in most chevettes is a pain !
A. If it has PS & PB it is often easiest to remove the steering column!
B> If it is a "plain jane" it is not bad except for the top bolt.
(there is a space in the intake manifold you can get thru using
extensions and a flex socket - 15mm if memory serves )
3. Regardless of whether it is the starter or the solenoid , once you have determined that
the battery is not at fault , and that the cables are tight ,proceed to install
a rebuilt starter , complete with solenoid from a reputable manufacturer. On
a chevette , the savings realized by only changing the solenoid or only the
starter are not in any way worth the aggravation of doing it again.....
HAPPY MOTORING !