Hot start problem

[lab~rat]

Does anyone know if the solenoid on Saturns are located on the starter
like other GMs? A relative seems to be having a hot start problem and
I was wondering if an overheated solenoid could be the reason.

 

[Jonnie Santos]

Which model/year Saturn? S-Series have the solenoid with the starter (if I
can read my Chilton's manual). Is the hot-start problem one where the gear
isn't engaging the flywheel, or where the starter cranks for an extended
period of time and the engine doesn't fire off?

 

[lab~rat]

Which model/year Saturn? S-Series have the solenoid with the starter (if I
can read my Chilton's manual). Is the hot-start problem one where the gear
isn't engaging the flywheel, or where the starter cranks for an extended
period of time and the engine doesn't fire off?

Actually, it's a problem where the heat creates a lot of resistance in
the starter wire and makes the battery appear dead. I don't know what
year the car is.

Here's a link about the mod:

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/solenoid.htm

 

[Jonnie Santos]

....interesting mod - I hadn't heard of Saturn starters being a problem or
the resistance in the wire due to heat (not saying it isn't so, just not
familiar). I have heard of a ground strap coming loose, and failing fuel
pumps that cause extended cranking.

Chilton's says in their troubleshooting section for "Starter motor will not
rotate engine" (page 2-15)
re: 1991-1998 manual (8419) 62300

-Cause
--Solution

-Battery charge low or battery defective
--Charge of replace battery

-Faulty solenoid
--Check solenoid ground. Repair or replace as necessary

-Damaged drive pinion gear or ring gear
--Replace damaged gear(s)

-Starter motor engagement weak
--Bench-test starter motor

-Starter motor rotates slowly with high load current
--Inspect rive yoke pull-down and point gap, check for worn end bushings,
check ring gear clearance

-Engine seized
--Repair engine


And then here's the basic flow of activating the starter... (page 2-8)
1991-1998 manual (8419) 62300

"When the ignition switch in the START position, the starter relay enabled
and the transaxle, in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position, power flows to the small terminal of the starter
solenoid. Power through the pull-in winding also flows through the starter
motor. The motor rotates slowly at fist so the fears mesh and the solenoid
contacts close. This allows full battery power to flow directly to the
cranking motor."

 

[lab~rat]

...interesting mod - I hadn't heard of Saturn starters being a problem or
the resistance in the wire due to heat (not saying it isn't so, just not
familiar). I have heard of a ground strap coming loose, and failing fuel
pumps that cause extended cranking.

Chilton's says in their troubleshooting section for "Starter motor will not
rotate engine" (page 2-15)
re: 1991-1998 manual (8419) 62300

-Cause
--Solution

-Battery charge low or battery defective
--Charge of replace battery

-Faulty solenoid
--Check solenoid ground. Repair or replace as necessary

-Damaged drive pinion gear or ring gear
--Replace damaged gear(s)

-Starter motor engagement weak
--Bench-test starter motor

-Starter motor rotates slowly with high load current
--Inspect rive yoke pull-down and point gap, check for worn end bushings,
check ring gear clearance

-Engine seized
--Repair engine


And then here's the basic flow of activating the starter... (page 2-8)
1991-1998 manual (8419) 62300

"When the ignition switch in the START position, the starter relay enabled
and the transaxle, in the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position, power flows to the small terminal of the starter
solenoid. Power through the pull-in winding also flows through the starter
motor. The motor rotates slowly at fist so the fears mesh and the solenoid
contacts close. This allows full battery power to flow directly to the
cranking motor."

Thanks for your response, I wonder why it only happens when it's hot?

 

[Jonnie Santos]

....I'm hoping someone else will post their thoughts - I'm making the
assumption your friend's Saturn is an S-Series too...