89 firebird starting problems

[5046adam]

hey guys i have an 89 firebird 305. A year ago i found out about vatts i have it bypassed with the pellet from my key but now its acting the same way the starter will go then stop the dash light go dim(brake light).The starter relay whines But here's the thing my security light does not stay on -it does turn off so i think the vatts is okay, but i took the starter off and had it tested -it was good. i put it back on with the shim it had and still nothing. i crawled underneath and used a jumper wire on the starter and i could see the pinion gear getting stuck on the flexplate(flywheel) but how can it be getting stuck now when it's been running fine for 8 months. i found another thicker shim and used both but its still getting stuck can it warp or somthing i have to hit it on the side with a wrench to dissengage the shaft any help will be appreciated (come on people my girl friend wants me to get a dodge caliber)please lol

[big dwag]

i had that problem to. when i used the shims i broke it in half and only shim one bolt. look at the starter it might be hard to tell which way u need to shim it ( maybe shim the front bolt) and see if it works. if not take it out of the front and put it in the back hole. i put mine in the back & it work and is still working.

[5046adam]

thanks for the reply- i never thought of that but then why was it working fine all that time then BAM it gets stuck. i'll try that thur. on my day off i think it might work if i put it on the back bolt.

[cuda_dude]

The starter could be womped out. After so much use it may have started getting sloppy and now it doesn't engage right... I had a starter snap in 2 on me once, after working fine the day before, so anything's possible

[89Firebird2.8]

I've had a starter snap in two before. It left about an 8th of it bolted to the bellhousing, with the the rest just resting on the exhaust.

[5046adam]

okay i went ahead and replaced the starter it was still under warranty,but it still wont start. I turn the key, fuel pump primes ,engine light,brake light and security come on. Then security turns off i try to crank it- starter relay whines- engine and brake light go dim fuel pressure needle drops while water temp jumps to the top. After the 5th or 6th time it will crank for a split second then the same shit again. Maybe its the relay if not then i have to take it in some place

[5046adam]

I Fixed It

[cuda_dude]

what was your problem? bad battery connection?

[5046adam]

the relay- 24.99 not bad i guess for a dealership now i just need to put the underdash panel and kick panel back but thats nothing- thanks for your help everyone-peace
p.s. the starter was messed after all the gear was free spinning and they said it was good. i noticed it when the shims didnt work. took it off about three times, but i finally noticed lol