My 2.8 GT starter has started to spin without engaging the flywheel just about every time I try to start the car. Then it will engage and the car wil start on the third or fourth try.

Is this repairable/servicable or is it time to put on a new starter.

I had this happen when my 88 GT was still under warranty. The Pontiac dealer replaced the starter, and the following week, I had the same problem. This time they found that the ring gear was separating from the flywheel, and replaced that under warranty. I'm betting that this is a pretty rare occurrence, but since it happened to me, it could happen to you.

Your bendix drive is bad. You can change it or the entire started if you wish. If you let it keep grinding it will damage the teeth on the flywheel. A little more expensive!

yeah I had the ring gear seperation thing too. Thought it was the starter for the longest time.

It could be a weak starter solenoid. When they go bad, the starter will spin, but the solenoid won't push the starter motor gear (this is what I call a starter bendix...not sure if that's what gunnie meant or not) out to engage the ring gear on the flywheel. I've also seen the ring gear separate from the flywheel, but that's pretty unusual. You can pull the starter, and have the solenoid checked.

Heres my 2 cents for what its worth. My starter also has gremlins, but not identical to these being discussed. The problem never occurs when the engine is cold. If I have been driving a short time or maybe 1/2 an hour, turn off the car and come back in five to ten minutes I will turn ignition and all I get is solenoid "click". If I pause for say ten to thirty seconds and try again the starter will engage and turn the beast over. It does not happen every time, but sporadically. I never know when it will happen. My previous starter was doing the exact same thing and finally stopped engaging every time after the engine was warmed up. I had to get under the car and smack it to work. That was fun. Anyway maybe some one here care to diagnos mine as well?

Galen

quote Originally posted by stalen88GT: Heres my 2 cents for what its worth. My starter also has gremlins, but not identical to these being discussed. The problem never occurs when the engine is cold. If I have been driving a short time or maybe 1/2 an hour, turn off the car and come back in five to ten minutes I will turn ignition and all I get is solenoid "click". If I pause for say ten to thirty seconds and try again the starter will engage and turn the beast over. It does not happen every time, but sporadically. I never know when it will happen. My previous starter was doing the exact same thing and finally stopped engaging every time after the engine was warmed up. I had to get under the car and smack it to work. That was fun. Anyway maybe some one here care to diagnos mine as well? Galen

If it never happens when the engine is cold - your starter solenoid is getting hot - preventing the starter from working. You can either shield it somehow or add a separate remote solenoid (I just did this) so heat is never an issue.

Take starter off and remove the solenoid. You will find a set of contacts (under the plastic cover) that engage when the solenoid engages (round disc) that will have burnt spots on it. Some discs can be turned over to clean side, some you just have to emery paper clean. OR, you can just get a new solenoid for your starter. Sorry, no pictures

[This message has been edited by gunnie (edited 11-02-2005).]