95 3.1 Lumina major probs starting

[phunky]

Hi, hopefully someone can give me a hand here.

This problem has only started very recently, in the past 2 weeks or so and has now gotten to the point where it just about isnt starting at all.

It's just not catching at all. I'll turn the key and will just hear a 'vmmm' kinda noise.
Weirdest thing is if it is plugged in it will start better but still not right away. I know it isnt the battery because I just replaced it about 3 months ago if that.

My neighbour came over and listened and menitoned it may be the starter switch? I'm not sure exactly what it was he said, but he also said it helped the starter catch to the drive or something.

Pardon my ignorance... I dont pretend to know things I dont!

[jeffcoslacker]

The part that kicks the pinion gear in the starter out to engage the flywheel gear is operated by an electrical solenoid, which uses an electromagnetic field when voltage is applied to make the thing move. When the windings get weak or broken, the field is not as strong, and the solenoid's action gets weak. Applying more amperage (charger hooked up) will let the remaining windings produce more magnetic power, but also overtax them to death eventually.

You need a new starter.

It sounds as if the solenoid is the actual problem, but it is part of the starter, so if it's windings are going bad, the actual starter motor windings won't be far behind. They don't cost that much.

[phunky]

Ok, generally speaking.... how long do starters last?

Because I had the starter replaced 2-3 years ago.

[tblake]

was the starter replaced with a new one, or a rebuilt one? Just a thought. Jeff is right. The starter is junk.

[jeffcoslacker]

It depend on a lot of variables, quality of the replacement unit, environment, use. 3-5 years would probably be not uncommon for a cheap rebuilt.

If you are leaking a lot of oil from above it, thatmakes its way into them, along with any crud stuck in the oil, and gunks them up pretty fast.

If that's the case, there is a slim chance the starter solenoid could just be sludged up, and might be OK after a cleaning.