my starter doesn't like cold weather......

[riffman]

Aight....heres the scoop. Ever since my last trip to attica, and this.......

the starter is wierd....whenever it gets below about 20 degrees, it won't start. It just clicks once. Then, on warmer days, or after it sits in the sun for a while, she fires right up! though it sounds wierd now...more like a dodge starter with a high pitched whine with it.

the only thing i can think of, is there is water in there, and it freezes the starter solid. does this sound reasonable? will it hold water? anybody?

thanx in advance!!

 

[riffman]

Bump

heres a solution that i had to employ today. i was running late for work, and i got in to try and start it. CLICK.....crap......so i brainstormed. i went inside, and ran the sink to really really hot water and filled a pitcher. took it and poured the water in the gerneral area of the starter/solonoid. let is sit for a minute, and tried to start it. It fired right up!! So, im kinda thinkin that my starter is frozen. can i re-build it or do i just need to replace it? anybody, anybody?

 

[Ray Lobato]

Riff,
I would definatly pull it out and clean/check it out. You might want to spray a can or 2 of electronics circut board cleaner in it to help displace the water it if has some in it. The cleaner will flush out the water and dissapate. You don't want to use anything that will take the lacquer of the motor windings, that's why I said use a electronics safe cleaner. Clean the solinoid also. Let us know what happens.

 

[Kampy]

Scott, go to the parts store, get a set of brushes and bushings for it, take it apart, clean it up and put it back together with the new parts. That should take care of it. Shine up the commutator (where the brushes ride) with some emery cloth when its apart.

Should cost about $15.00 for the parts. Better than $175.00 for a rebuilt.

Just so you know, the bushings can be a real pain to get out.

 

[Bronco_bill]

Starter

Don't even waste your time I just replaced the starter on mine. It cost $60 for a liftime at ABC auto.

 

[bwphoto]

What would you suggest if my starter has oil in it? My engine leaks oil and the starter has probably drunk its fair share, and now it is giving me problems. Is it all mechanical inside or is there electrical components that would be adverse to a heavy dousing of WD40 or something to dissolve/wash away the oil buildup?

After I fix it, how would you suggest I protect it from getting ruined this way again? This is the second time I've had to replace it in about as many years and at $120/starter+ time + inconvenience at random times, I'd like to avoid having to do it again. thanks.

 

[Bronco_bill]

Fixing the leak could help prevent oil from getting in the starter. The rebuilts a garbage. I buy anyway since they are cheaper. A new unit will most likely last you longer.