SW2 - No Start Mystery

Sunday my 97 SW2 wouldn't start. On the first try it seemed to catch but
stalled. The second try wouldn't catch and after that the solenoid
didn't seem to be engaging. Since I didn't have time to check it out I
jumped in my 35 year old Alfa and ran my errands. Seven hours later I
got home and the solenoid wouldn't engage so I stuck the battery on the
charger just in case it was a low voltage problem. Three hours later the
battery appeared to be fully charged but the starter still wouldn't
engage even after I rocked the car in gear (manual) to move the engine.

This morning I decided to try it one more time before calling the tow
truck and the solenoid engaged and by going full throttle I was able to
get the car started, though it ran roughly at first. After the idle
smoothed out I turned it off and was able to restart without a problem,
no SES codes flashing. A half hour later I was ready to go to work and
it again started without a problem and here I am at work.

It was 50 degress yesterday and about 30 this morning. The cars got 120k
on it and burns no oil. So what the heck happened here and is there
anything I should look at (plugs, starter, battery)?

Mitch

 

If it's not the battery, I would say charred contacts on the solenoid.

 

If you disconnected the battery while charging it (always a good
idea), that would explain the rough idle.

The original starting problem sounds like a sticky/bad solenoid or a
bad Bendix (or whatever they call the moving gear on the end of the
starter).

 

I'm inclined to think its a bad starter solenoid (or connections) though
I've never had one fail like this. When it didn't start it probably
created a flooding problem, made worse by the fact I couldn't turn the
engine over. Strangely enough the starter has performed flawlessly over
the last 2 days with multiple starts and stops. I'll probably change it
out just to be on the safe side. Is that a tough job and is it better to
buy a new one from Saturn or a rebuild from the parts store?

Mitch

 

had the same problem with my '92 sl... the starter bolts had worked/vibrated
loose enough for it to disengage from the flywheel and/or lose its ground
connection! i tightened up the bolts, ran a new ground strap, and the original
starter still works after 210 000 miles.
jeff

 

Thanks Jeff,

It's been going strong since the sunday it took the day off and we've
had cold and snow as well. I'll check the bolts on the starter this
weekend if the ground is dry.

I started pricing starters but have decided I'll wait it out. The car is
light enough to push start if I have to and maybe a blow to the
solenoid/bendix would unstick it.

Here's the prices, don't understand the weight difference on
remanufactured, maybe its the packaging.

used: $40
remanufactured: $110-$200, weight 7-14lbs, Bosch, Autolite, etc.
new: ~$220 Autolite
~$280 Saturn

Mitch

 

Hey Mitch. You can also buy a used one for
approx. 20$-25$. You only need to make sure
the teeth are not worned...usualt means the
stater's in good confdition...plus, they allways
offer a warranty.
If you can have an easy access to the starter(remember NEVER rely on jacks alone) it should not take more then
20-25 min. with the proper tools.
Good luck.
Stef

 

Hi Stef,

I'd change it but at this point its moot, the car has started without a
glitch since the incident. It must have been related to the initial
failed start situation. Perhaps the Bendix kicked back in a way that
jammed it. I'm old enough (and maybe wise enough?) that if I do change
it I only want to do it once and would rather spend some extra money to
insure that then buy the cheapest. I once changed out the clutch on a
Saab 900 3 times in a weekend (bad flywheel resurfacing followed by a
failed slave cylinder). Not a bad job, its on the top front of the
engine, but a nuisance.

MItch