starter motor problems?

charvatg · 08-23-2005

When my 89 LX is cold, the car starts no problem. But, when it warms up and i stop the engine, then try to start it again, the starter motor struggles to turn over the engine. It has the same symptoms of a dead battery, where the starter motor is struggling to crank the enigine.

However, if i let the car cool down, it starts perfectly. I have replaced the battery and the problem continues. Does this sound like a dying starter motor?

These forums are great, thanks for any advice you might have on this problem.

GhostDog 5.0 · 08-23-2005

Sounds like you possibly have a starter motor going south or battery cables that are starting to corrode. The added heat could be causing resistance that stops the car from starting like it should.

Kilikina · 08-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostDog 5.0

Sounds like you possibly have a starter motor going south or battery cables that are starting to corrode. The added heat could be causing resistance that stops the car from starting like it should.

Thanks for the post. I'm having the same issues with my '66 coupe. When it's cold, it starts fine, but when it's hot or I've been driving lost distances it won't start up until it cools down. I changed the battery and had the starter and the alternater checked professionally and they're fine. So, any idea what the issue may be? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. ;-)

Fordgazm · 08-30-2005

I would check the cables first like Ghostdog said . If those are fine then I would just replace the solenoid . It's a cheap part and easy to change . If it hasnt failed yet , it will so it's not like it was money wasted . If that dont work then the starter is most likely the problem . Another thing to consider is if you have long tube headers or an exhaust that is really close to the starter it can heat it up and cause it to not want to start . You can get a starter heat shield blanket type thing from summit racing . It's a pretty common problem with small block chevys . But I always figured it was because the chevy has the solenoid on the starter instead of the fenderwell like a ford . But I guess it could happen on a ford too .

Kilikina · 08-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordgazm

I would check the cables first like Ghostdog said . If those are fine then I would just replace the solenoid . It's a cheap part and easy to change . If it hasnt failed yet , it will so it's not like it was money wasted . If that dont work then the starter is most likely the problem . Another thing to consider is if you have long tube headers or an exhaust that is really close to the starter it can heat it up and cause it to not want to start . You can get a starter heat shield blanket type thing from summit racing . It's a pretty common problem with small block chevys . But I always figured it was because the chevy has the solenoid on the starter instead of the fenderwell like a ford . But I guess it could happen on a ford too .

Thanks so much I'll check all that out tonight! ;-)