Ok, I had to remove the starter and replace it (same one) and at the same time, I put a higher amp battery in the car. Now, my starter continues to catch after the engine starts. If I crank just enough to start it, the starter doesn't catch. If it crank it like you would normally, it catches (not all the time). I was thinking that the starter may be getting old, but it cranks seems to work fine and I didn't have this issue before. I am going to try moving the starter away from the flywheel (parallel with the engine block). Maybe when the starter retracts it can't get back fast enough?? There is a shim in there and I put it back when I put the starter back in place.

I am looking for suggestions, but I will try moving it (if possible) to see what happens. Also, the higher amp battery really turns it over quick and that may be part of the problem, so I will swap the old battery back in... 400CCA vs 800CCA (which is currently installed).

Thanks!

I don't totally understand your terminology, Catch after the engine starts, Stays engaged? Crank just long enough to start it and starter doesn't catch? Starter spins but doesn't spin engine? Anyway it sounds like you have a starter issue, I'd buy a New starter not reman. As far as the battery goes you can never hurt anything as long as you use a 12 volt battery, more is always better. Remembering the battery is only a sponge, used only for starting the engine and storing energy. The generator runs the electrical on the vehicle.

Did the original starter have a shim in it? Did you check the space when you put the new one in, like it says in the instruction if you got any? You may need to put a thicker one in, shim.

You may need to take the old shim out.

Or you could have a bad starter.

Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

I had to pull the starter and put it back in to get to the oil pressure sensor. Same starter, same shim when back in. The starter turns the engine over and when it starts, the starter drags for a second, as is the starter gear did not retract fast enough. If I hit the key and run the starter "just enough" for the engine to start, then it doesn't drag the starter, but if I hold the key a half second longer, the starter will drag. I didn't have this before I dropped the starter out, so I think it may be an alignment issue, or the fact that the battery has twice the CCA, and it is really spinning up the starter, keeping it in place longer than necessary.

Does that help?

Put another thin shim in, it sounds like the starter is dragging on the flywheel because it is to close.
You can get them at any parts store.

Or it could be a bad starter, have it tested. CCA have nothing to do with it sticking. I just moved the radiator over a ½ inch to allow for a 1,000 CA battery in the Burban. And it didn’t affect the starter at all. 750 was all it called for.
Steve

------------------
Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

[This message has been edited by 84fiero123 (edited 02-28-2011).]

Thanks, i will pickup a shim pack and swap in a little larger one (or double up). I will take it in steps. it is pretty hard to get in there to do any measurements, but I may try that.

Another thing you should look for is a bent starter mounting bolt, as you tighten the starter will rock side to side. When you say holds up maybe what your hearing is the bushing wear on the output shaft.

I tried shims and nothing changed. I pulled the starter and I think the noise may be from the starter. I noticed that there is a spot on the flexplate where the teeth are worn about 1/3 of the way in a about a 1" area. I am not sure if this is a problem, but it could be. It is possible the starter motor is bad. I am going to see about a replacement. My next thought, I was going to leave this.... OR I could get the flux core welder out and tack weld some nubs in place of the worn parts. I could use the dremel to smooth it down. I am not concerned about grinding it down to match, that will be easy, compared to welding upside down.

Anyone weld on their flexplate/flywheel while in the car. The only other thing to do is drive it as is and see what happens. But if the flex plate goes, I have to pull the tranny, yuck!

bump for morning crowd

Just a thought- occasionally my Cherokee will not want to start because the Solenoid wont allow the arm to move into play and the starter wont engage, a quick tap with a hammer and pipe and im good to go. Maybe the starter (is it a replacement?) has too much electric grease up in there and isnt flipping the arm back fast enough?

quote Originally posted by Ramsespride: Just a thought- occasionally my Cherokee will not want to start because the Solenoid wont allow the arm to move into play and the starter wont engage, a quick tap with a hammer and pipe and im good to go. Maybe the starter (is it a replacement?) has too much electric grease up in there and isnt flipping the arm back fast enough?

FYI - I was told before, that if you have to tap the starter to get it to engage, that is a sure sign that the starter is wearing out. Time to order a replacement, before it leaves you stranded.

Yup, I helped a co-worker replace the starter on his '93 Cherokee. We could get it to start by tapping on the starter with a broom handle.

quote Originally posted by ktthecarguy: FYI - I was told before, that if you have to tap the starter to get it to engage, that is a sure sign that the starter is wearing out. Time to order a replacement, before it leaves you stranded.

I know it needs to be replaced. Im going to do that when i rip out the alternator and replace the valve cover gasket. I was planning on yanking the motor and putting a 440 i have out at my parents in and making it Carbd but with the gas cost going up i would rather stick with the I6 for now and just get a smaller more fuel efficient Fiero or another Intrepid.

Here is an update. As you remember, the starter checked out as OK, but may have been not retracting the gear quick enough. I put in a rebuilt starter and it is all quiet again! So, trust your instincts and if you think a part may be the problem, and you have ruled everything out.... replace the part!

Good catch. Glad it worked out for you.