manual '96 S10 2.4L Starting Problems

Sorry, I'm not very proficient with autos. So, my description might be a litte rough.

When trying to start sounds like it fires a few times, then a whirling noise. It does shake a little like it should when starting up. I can smell gas and exhaust, sometimes too much gas. I can hear the gas pump working.

If I turn the key all the way or not enough it just whines. If I turn the key just enough, the engine will try to turn over, but usually won't.

Replaced the spark plugs. Voltmeter says 12.7v on the battery.

I've has a few guys listen to it, and they all said "oh yea, that's the starter" I dropped the starter enough to test it, and it fires. (only took 9 hours, and I would not recommend doing this) I got a pack of starter shims, and tested EVERY shim, and different combinations. The more shims I used the less likely it would try to start. Currently there are no shims, and i've started it 3 times, out of 100 or so. Although after I shut it off, it's a crap shoot on whether is will start again.

My next guess is the fuel filter. Like I said, I don't know a whole lot, and it could be anything. I prolly should just take it in, but 2 things stopping me. Stubborness to learn, and more importantly I'm broke. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to AF.
First thing does the starter turn the engine over good or just buss or whine?

The engine does turn. Although, if it doesn't start then the starter whines.

It's like the engine wants to turn over, but doesn't have enough energy to do so. Does this make sence?

Make sure battery is up good.
If starter motor runs and does not turn engine it is time for a starter drive or rebuilt starter.
But also check flywheel teeth when you have starter off.
Good Luck
MT

The battery is fine. It reads at 12.6 volts at the starter.
The teeth are fine on both the starter and the flywheel.
The starter turns the enigne. Sometimes it cranks over, most times it fires a couple plugs, but it doesn't start. On a rare occasion the engine will back fire.

If the starter is turning the engine over then check for good hot blue spark t all spark plugs.
If good hot spark to all plugs then check fuel pressure for up to specs.

Didn't think about the pressure. I'll try that tomorrow. Thanks!

You might need to double check your charging system. A short in the battery will still show good voltage but will drop out under a load.

. . . The starter turns the enigne. Sometimes it cranks over, . . .
Your terminology is very confusing. What do you note as a difference between the starter tuning the engine and it cranking over?

Your terminology is very confusing. What do you note as a difference between the starter tuning the engine and it cranking over?

It sounds and vibrates like the engine makes a few revolutions, but stops and is not cranking over. It's like the starter is engaging, but stops before the engine cranks over.

I easily bump-started is today. Thus, like MT-2500 said, is has to be the starter.

The starter is almost out, but the motortrans bar is in the way. Just need a deepwell 13mm socket. Brother went to get one from his house.

I was able to take a look at the gear teeth, which seem fine. Although there isn't a spring on the apature(?) shaft on the starter. Should there be one? The solenoid is kicking out, but if isn't not staying out would this cause the problem?

Thank you for putting up with me.

My brother-n-laws came over to help, and both said "it's the starter"

5 hours later we have it out. Took it to the autoshop, and it tested fine. No problems. Both brothers told me to buy a new one. In an hour we have it up and running. She starts. /shrug

Thanks again for bearing with me.