PFF - Pennock's Fiero Forum, PDA Edition

Starter engergized but doesn't engage and turn engine? (Page 1/1)

Dennis LaGrua

AUG 30, 09:29 PM

1985 Fiero GT 4.9L /4T60e
Turn key, starter energized but doesn't engage. Sounds like solenoid click action but no turnover. Battery excellent and same symptoms with a boost.
My guess on possible causes: Bad starter, or broken flexplate locking up engine. Will will have the car up on the lift on Tuesday to check everything out.
Suggestions? When I find the problem I will share it.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

shemdogg

AUG 31, 12:30 AM

Unless you have some corrosion where your cables hook to the battery, or where the big cable goes to the starter,- u probably got a bad starter. U could test the volts going to it while energized(key in start) or tap it w a hammer lightly a few times and see if that makes it move. If its clicking when energized its getting switched power ok. Good luck

shem

theogre

AUG 31, 03:44 AM

Starter solenoid does 2 things
pull out the bendix then turn on motor.

Sound like doing only first part, battery/cables too low volts to run the motor, motor is dead or any combi of them..
Take to most shops will test starters free.

Dead then replace stater and battery cables.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 08-31-2019).]

Spoon

AUG 31, 09:45 PM

Starter bendix/clutch binding or worn out, missing teeth on flywheel for engagement. Polarity reversed causing starter to run backwards,,,, I bench tested a starter not realizing I had the cables reversed and it spun backwards. Polarity must be correct for bendix to extend in proper direction. It works like a cork screw.

If bendix is shot buy a new starter.

ps: Your lucky you have a 4.9, The Northstar starter is buried inside the engine underneath the intake manifold!!

Spoon
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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 08-31-2019).]

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 01, 10:30 PM

We will know shortly. All connections should be solid and correct. Cables are new. My guess is the starter as it was making funny noises for a while. Just hope its not the flexplate but if it is, the cradle comes down again. Hope to avoid another 8 hours of work, but it is what it is!

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 09-01-2019).]

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 04, 03:58 PM

quote

Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

We will know shortly. All connections should be solid and correct. Cables are new. My guess is the starter as it was making funny noises for a while. Just hope its not the flexplate but if it is, the cradle comes down again. Hope to avoid another 8 hours of work, but it is what it is!

Update 9/4/19 : Flexplate rotated, bolts all tight, no visible cracks and ring gear is OK. Noticed a bit of bright metal where the starter gear contacts the flexplate ring gear but could be low/high clearance or even normal for a 60K engine. Starter is shot, hum only when energized.. Rebuilt starter on order $64.00 from Advance Auto. Now to set the right clearance with the shims with everything in place!!!!

olejoedad

SEP 04, 04:17 PM

Any automotive electric component rebuilders in your area?

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 04, 04:37 PM

quote

Originally posted by olejoedad:

Any automotive electric component rebuilders in your area?

Not that I am aware of.
If you are referring to checking the clearance between the starter and ring gear while there is no way to access it; what I will do is to paint the starter gear with differential or even plain paint, start the engine a few times, remove the starter and check the pattern on the starter gear. Only way that I know how to do this when everything is assembled..

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 09-04-2019).]

olejoedad

SEP 04, 06:25 PM

We've got a few people in the area that rebuild starters and alternators, very handy and better quality/lower price than the auto stores.

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 07, 07:47 PM

Rebuilt starter arrived from Advance Auto. Rebuilt in Mexico but with a lifetime guarantee Just need to find the time to install it. Just had a chance to paint the starter gear with white paint to test the gear engagement but won't get to installation until next week.