98 Lumina Won't Start Sometimes

[Lumina 98]

I'm having starting problems with my '98 Lumina LTZ. When my regular mechanic couldn't find the problem, I took it to a dealer who replaced the fuel pump and filter. That was over a year ago and, since then, my regular mechanic replaced the starter twice. He said the first one was bad, but I think something else that's wrong with the car damaged the starter. It's been about a month since I got the second starter, and I'm still having the same problem: The car starts fine in the morning or after it's been sitting all day when I'm at work. But, when I go somewhere and am gone for 45 - 90 minutes and return to the car, it won't start. It seems to be getting fuel, but just won't "catch." Sometimes, after four or five tries, it starts. Other times, I have had to call someone to get me and, by the time they arrive, it starts fine. Two days ago, I was in a store for about 10 minutes. When I tried to start it, it was so bad, I had to leave it in the parking lot. Then, six hours later when I returned, it started up easily. I've had people suggest something in the tilt-steering wheel column, the alternator, battery cable, etc. Even though he hasn't been able to find the problem, I trust my mechanic, and I'm hesitant to take it to a dealer. The car has just turned 100,000 miles, and I know a dealer will find lots more wrong with it -- and maybe not even solve the main problem! Any suggestions?

[Vanfan]

What wont catch? the engine firing up? or the starter?. I guess what I'm asking is does the motor turn over or does the starter just spin but doesnt catch the flywheel?

[Lumina 98]

Originally Posted by Vanfan

What wont catch? the engine firing up? or the starter?. I guess what I'm asking is does the motor turn over or does the starter just spin but doesnt catch the flywheel?

The engine won't turn over. The starter does not engage the flywheel -- at least that's what my husband said to say! He knows a bit more about cars than I do. Any suggestions?

[Vanfan]

May need to shim the starter. I didnt shim one on my S-10 once and lasted about 2 days before it started acting up again. Thats what I would suggest, as far as starting after its been sitting for a few hours, this is a shot in the dark but check to see if you have an exhaust leak near the starter or if a heat shield is missing or wasnt put back on. If the starter gets to hot it can act up. Another quick check is the wiring, check for tightness or corrosion. Allways a good idea to dissconect battery first, things are tight under there and easy to arc a wrench... May want to see if ya got some teeth missing on the flywheel too. Should be able to see alittle bit in there if you pull the starter out.