0verb00st

I just got my fc yesterday. At first I was skeptical about the reliability, but after driving to Belingham and back (around 150 miles total), with steady temperature and oil pressure my uneasiness dissipated. I recently went to blockbuster to get a movie. I met an fc guy outside that looked kind of sketchy (fc was all banged up, engine was in horrible looking condition. We talked for a while and he slipped up and said "steal" while we where talking about drifting. He said he was leaving and said he'd see me around later. I went inside and heard his car start up. I felt a little uneasy because he said steal, so I hurried, got my movie and ran back to my car. I tried to turn my car over and it wouldn't even turn over. I tried to start it and it just clicked, and the dummy lights all came on. The alternator was brand new, and the starter was fine. I checked all the grounds and they where all good. The volt meter was reading a steady 12v. I called one of my friends and he came out to try and help. The shady rx7 guy left right when he showed. We tried to jump it at first to no avail. Then he said he had one more trick up his sleeve. He said the solenoids sometimes come loose. He got under the car and tapped on the solenoid right next to the starter (as he explained it). I cranked it over once and it started right up! I think the shady guy messed with it while I was inside, in hopes that I would give up and leave the car for him to steal or **** with. He just didnt know that I don't quit until I get my car fixed. Who knows, i might be paranoid...

VacavilleFC

umm i think your paranoid, i really doubt he messed with something if the problem was your starter, sounds like it's just old and locked up on you. and your freaked out thinking the guy messed with your car.

what the hell we're you talking about when he said the word "steal" and set you into paranoia?

0verb00st

he said over steal instead of over steer, and quickly corrected himself. Paranoya was a result of me just getting my car, the condition of his car, the fact that he said he was going to leave before I went inside, and how quick he was about "helping me". By the way, do I need a new starter then? Do you think it will happen again? I probably am a little paranoid...

VacavilleFC

well theres several things it could be but seeing as your friend had to tap on the starter i would assume thats it,


i dunno i wasn't there, i have no clue what dude looked like. i can understand feeling alittle sketched out up there, i have friends in seattle and theres crazy people allover the place up there stealing cars and just stealing stuff out of cars


at glance my fc looks pretty beat, i got a have lots of dings allover my drivers side, cracked front bumper, a peeling white over white maaco paint job, my drivers seat is damaged pretty badly, i'm just not one for wasting my money on asthetics, i've put almost 6k into my car and if you didn't look closely you'd never notice that i've completely replaced all the suspension, redone the brakes, had the transmission rebuilt, completely gone over the engine and replaced everything that can wear out.

looks are nothing.

0verb00st

can you list what other things it could be (besides the starter/selenoid? It has a good ground, and the battery IS reading a constant 12v. How much is a new starter/selenoid going to cost? How hard is it to install?

1989_N/A

I havent priced a solenoid yet, but I know a new starter isnt but about $140. Its only 2 bolts holding the thing on. Just pull them, unhook the wires and put the new one in its place. Its not that hard, honestly.

0verb00st

Why do you think this is only an occasional problem? The only reason im hesitant to replace the starter is because it usually works, my seven picks the best times to stop working. Yesterday, after fixing it once again, I drove it home and turned it off. I tried to start her again, just to see if it would have the same problem again...and i did. I went inside and decided not to fix it and see what it would do the next day. When I went to start her up, she turned on like nothing was wrong and begged to be driven. My question is why is it only an occasional thing?

0verb00st

Heres a picture of what I have to tap on every time to get her started...that is the starter/selenoid right?

0verb00st

UPDATE: she wont turn over after tapping on it anymore...can anyone confirm that that is ...the starter? Should replacing it fix my problem? What other things could cause simmilar problems? I have good grounds, the battery is fine at 12v...is there anything else?

pfsantos

iTrader: (1)

Yes it's the starter. The small cylindrical portion where the thick wire comes from the side of the engine to is the solenoid. The solenoid would be on the top side of the starter in that picture. See FSM in my sig., I believe chapter 5. Pull the starter/solenoid assembly out and have it tested (usually free) at a parts counter. One starter bolt (I believe the bottom one) threads to the bellhousing, and the other one is a long bolt nut which goes through the bellhousing and rear engine plate and also holds a wiring bracket near the front. Don't forget to disconnect the ground on the battery first, the nut holding the thick wire to the solenoid, and pull the small gauge wire with the 1/4" female spade connector.

0verb00st

So I circled the solenoid in my picture?

Is the ground on the battery the nut holding the thick wire to the solenoid and the gauge wire?

Also, what do you think could cause the erratic starting? I dont think the actual starter is fried...can I replace just the solenoid? Il go get it tested today and keep you posted, thanks for the help so far.

1989_N/A

Your starter could be the problem. t could be screwed up and stuck. Tapping on it would free it up just like letting it sit for a while can free it up. I had the same problem a few years ago with my old truck. I replaced the starter and never had another problem.

But I would suggest replacing the starter and solenoid, just to be on the safe side. You really shouldnt replace one without replacing the other.

Mechanic

remove and replace starter motor assembly, disconnect battery, so u don't spark around . disconnect thick red wire, and thin black wire, remove 2 mounting bolt. installation reverse of removal.


Yes, it is your starter. This is coming from a mechanic, that cant make money off you.

what you circled is the starter assembly, the solenoid is built in the starter assembly. it is a little higher where the wires connect. The smaller cylinder. The big cylinder is the housing of the armature for the starter.

re manufactured starters come with solenoids.

0verb00st

The installation was painless and quick. Fixed all my starting problems. new starter ftw.