1998 Blazer Starter

Recently purchased a 1998 Blazer LS with 64K miles. Sometimes when you try and start it, the motor turns over a few turns and then it is like the starter, ( for a mili-second ), totally locks up and then will resume cranking immediately afterwards. We replaced the starter last night with one from our local NAPA dealer and when installed, it did the same thing. I've seen several issues about "Shims'. When we removed ours, it did not have any shims, when we opened up the new one from NAPA it did not contain any shims. There is no grinding noise which would indicate shims needed. Open for suggestions.

You don't need shims in all cases.

This sounds like:

1.) Battery is on its way out.
2.) Ignition switch in the steering column is defective. Not, the key tumbler, the switch.

Thank you for your help. Battery was just tested at AutoZone and and was in great condition they said, ( only 2 months old, but that doesn't mean a whole lot ), the switch is an interesting possibility. Is there a way to isolate and check for sure ? Again, thanks for your help

Watch your dash as you turn the key. If all lights/gauges go out when the starter stops cranking, it's most likely the switch.

It does it so fast and then kicks in, but I did notice the lights did get very dim.

Just finished replacing the switch with a brand new one and still have the problem. Any body with some other possibilities. ?

Then I would replace it.

1997s have bad switches, chances are yours has the same.

Did replace it with a brand new one about 15 minutes ago, same symptons.

check and clean the grounds and cable going to and from the starter.

Take the ignition switch back if it isn't the problem.

Will check and re-check again to make sure . Thanks

Do you have a volt meter?? If so place the leads on the battery with key off what does it read. No crank it over what does it read while cranking??
Ok do the samething with the starter posi lead on the starter and the neg lead on a known good ground. Have some one crank it over what is the voltage reading???

Thanks Fireplug, will try that maybe tomorrow and let you know. Really has us stumped.