1992 Aerostar with an intermittent starting problem.

[HotWheelsAS]

For the most part this hasn't been an issue, but I've noticed it a bit lately, so I'm going to ask about. There are two different instances:

1. Sometimes I turn the key to start the van all I hear is a loud, solid click. Just one and nothing else. All the lights come on inside but no starting, no cranking. After turning the key back off and trying it over again it usually starts fine.

2. The other instance occurs more when the van has already been started and is warm and I've just stopped, like at a gas station or something. When trying to start after this, the engine will turn over fine, just not start. It's doesn't crank slowly or anything, it just doesnt want to start up. I had to try and start it five or six times tonight after it had been sitting for about 40 minutes.

I'm pretty sure the battery is good and the cables are fine. They aren't corroded and they fit well. I've been driving it about a month and the battery still gets/stays charged so I think the alternator is okay too.

Im figuring I will have to replace something, I was hoping someone might be able to steer me in a more specific direction so that I don't just end up replacing parts that aren't broken.

Many thanks, let me know if I can answer any more questions.

Chris

 

[BrooklynBay]

Take off the battery terminals, clean them, then apply anti seize compound. Check the connection on the starter, and the ground terminals. Check the starter relay on the inner fender wall. How old are the spark plugs, cables, and the starter?

 

[HotWheelsAS]

The spark plugs and wires are new, I've recently replaced them. The starter, I don't now about. I disconnected all the wires from the solenoid and starter and wire brushed them and cleaned everything off the best I could. The starter itself was kind of covered in oil a little bit and I think cleaning everything off may have helped.

 

[HotWheelsAS]

Side question- I'm thinking of replacing the radiator too, it has a small leak and I know leaks don't get smaller over time. I have a 3.0 liter automatic. My question is do I need any kind of tool to disconnect the transmission lines or just undo nuts and unscrew things?

Thanks again!

Chris

 

[BrooklynBay]

You don't need any special disconnect tools. Check WWW.AutoCoolRadiators.Com.