PLEASE HELP before I go Insane!!!

[mambomedic]

Ok, I started working on the Mighty Saturn at 4PM yesterday and went to 4:30 AM.
I started with a tuneup and to troubleshoot my starter problem. I began to clean various engine parts and opened the intake on the manifold, well see for yourself..


I'm amazed it ever ran! I cleaned out a lot and will finish up, but that is not the major issue.

My aggravation level is high now. Last 2 weeks car would not start after being driven. Cold start was fine and car ran great. Monday I installed new CPS unit, now NO start, though it did start by key 1 time Tues pm.

94 SC2 191k + Runs great after compression start.

To the best of my recollection, this is what I did the last few days..

New K&N air filter
New PVC valve
Spark Plug wires inspected & resistance in tolerance
Ignition Coils resistance is OK
Battery 12v+ off 14.51 under load
new plugs, yes Bosch Plat - just let it go..

went back under car starter wires seem ok, but it was 3am.

So, any ideas??

Also, I have a remote starter switch for testing, but the directions are not too clear for Saturn ignition, anyone know where to clip alligator clamps?

I will keep checking back every few.. thanks in advance!

[JMyrrh]

I once had a starter that would overheat due to some kind of internal short or something. I could start the car cold but a warm engine means a warm starter meaning that it can overheat more quickly, so it would crank slower and slower and quit like I had a low battery if I then waited an hour it would start right up.

Does the starter sound as strong when you try to start the engine warm? Does your starter get hot(don't touch it hot)?

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by mambomedic

Ok, I started working on the Mighty Saturn at 4PM yesterday and went to 4:30 AM.
I started with a tuneup and to troubleshoot my starter problem. I began to clean various engine parts and opened the intake on the manifold, well see for yourself..

Linky is hinky....

My aggravation level is high now. Last 2 weeks car would not start after being driven. Cold start was fine and car ran great. Monday I installed new CPS unit, now NO start, though it did start by key 1 time Tues pm.

94 SC2 191k + Runs great after compression start.

Critical question - when it doesn't start, does it crank?

BTW, what's a "compression start"?

[cartech89]

Sounds like it's time for a new starter. Resistance goes up with temperature, so a cold starter might work fine.

[mambomedic]

Originally Posted by JMyrrh

I once had a starter that would overheat due to some kind of internal short or something. I could start the car cold but a warm engine means a warm starter meaning that it can overheat more quickly, so it would crank slower and slower and quit like I had a low battery if I then waited an hour it would start right up.

Does the starter sound as strong when you try to start the engine warm? Does your starter get hot(don't touch it hot)?

Sorry..
It either starts right up or not. mostly not. I hear a click only, no crank

[mambomedic]

Originally Posted by madpogue

Linky is hinky....



Critical question - when it doesn't start, does it crank?

no, it starts or 1 click. mostly a click now, on occasion will start.

[/QUOTE]BTW, what's a "compression start"?[/QUOTE]


manual trans, roll with key in on pos. get some speed, put in 1st, release clutch, engine starts.

[cartech89]

Originally Posted by mambomedic

manual trans, roll with key in on pos. get some speed, put in 1st, release clutch, engine starts.

I don't think that is very good for some parts.

[Dr B]

Clean up the battery cable connections ,once you are sure that is good .
connect a remote start switch between the little post on starter,and the battery + terminal ,then press the test button ,or connect a length of wire to starter (little terminal ) then touch to battery B+ post,if no crank occurs ,the starter is probably toast.
Also when rolling off (to start) 2nd gear would probably be a better choice.
parking on a hill is also helpful .

[virnin]

Originally Posted by cartech89

I don't think that is very good for some parts.

Nothing inherently wrong with the procedure. It turns the engine over the same as the starter. However, I would recommend using 3rd gear to reduce the mechanical "disadvantage" and don't "pop" the clutch. Release it slow enough that it slips a little while the engine starts to turn.

[JMyrrh]

Good electrical are especially important for starter operation. A bad connection is apparent if you see any kind of sparking at the battery. The battery post should be clean and snug. I would also clean the contact with the heavy gauge wire on the starter and the engine ground to the battery. I usually use sandpaper/emery cloth and brake cleaner, be careful of overspray. You can use dielectric grease to protect the contact, but its more a good idea than a necessity. Otherwise you'll have to take out the starter and have it tested.

[mambomedic]

I'm going over all the electrical wiring tomorrow and will look in the how-to for starter troubleshooting.
Anymore ideas, please post.
Thanks


The compression start.. I meant a forward gear, not 1st..