starter failure

[Ludwig]

When i turn the ignition switch, there's only a

"thud" heard from the starter (with a minor turn

of the engine), and nothing more happens.

When it's attempted again, the engine sometimes

cranks over once or twice very slowly and

then stops again.

All this is draining the battery rapidly, as if

there were a short circuit in the starter.

I suspected the pistons might have been flooded

and floored the accelerator to cut off the fuel flow

(the Service manual advises to floor the pedal for that)

but it didn't help.

The accessory pulleys were checked, and turned out not

to be the cause of the cranking difficulty.

The problem began with starts requiring 2-3 attempts,

where first only a "thud" is heard and then the last

attempt starts the engine. Now it won't start at

all, even with a fully charged battery.

Any hints would be appreciated.

92 SevilleTS

[adallak]

If cleaning cable contacts on the battery and the starter does not help, replace the starter. Pay attention to the grounf on the engine block right by the starter. It is a good idea to replace the ground stud (8mmx1.25mm) and the star washer.

If you do have to remove the starter, I'll provide you with detailed instructions.

[thu]

You might try replacing the entire positive cable. My 1993 had a similar problem. I replaced the starter twice. Turns out the red battery cable was all corroded on the inside. Looks fine on the outside, but it was all corroded inside. Could saved my self a ton of time and two starters had I been a little smarter.

[Ludwig]

The starter&solenoid has now completely stopped working.

It doesn't make any move or sound anymore.

I measured the voltage at the solenoid "S"-terminal, and battery voltage

was at it whenever i turn the ignition key.

I now have a new (reman.) starter on order.

[adallak]

The starter&solenoid has now completely stopped working.

It doesn't make any move or sound anymore.

I measured the voltage at the solenoid "S"-terminal, and battery voltage

was at it whenever i turn the ignition key.

I now have a new (reman.) starter on order.

Okay. Here is the easy way to remove starter after DISCONNECTING the battery.

1. Remove th eheat shield.

2. Remove plastic flexplate cover (two screws).

3. Unbolt two bolts holding the starter (you will need an extension). There should be no shims.

4. Push the "nose' of the starter up, and pull the "bottom" down. It is the only way starter may be removed without taking off the intake manifold (per factory service manual).

Do not let the starter hang on the wires. While you are on it, carefully clean all the connections and the ground with a wirebrush. Good luck.

[Ludwig]

I installed the new starter and it seems to have been the cause of

the problem: Now it cranks the engine _fast_ and the engine starts

almost instantly.

I got the old starter out by turning it and then dropping it as you

said, but had to put the new one in from above. Removing the O2-sensor

and radiator fan freed just enough space for it to fit in.