1988 Nissan truck v-6: In the past 21/2 years i have had 3 reman. starters put in for a no start with click?

Question

Intermittent no start for the last 21/2 years when warm and cold. In the 21/2 years i have had 3 remanufactured starters installed. The engine doesn't turn over and all i get is a click or a delay of 1 to 2 seconds before it will turn over when the key is in the start position. I had a coolant leak from the air relief valve that was spraying over - and + battery cables.I have a man. trans. They replaced the remanufactured starter with another and i still get the intermittent no start. I went to a junk yard and found a newer interlock relay and replaced it only to find it wasn't a bad relay. The last time i brought it in to have them check it they said there was a wiring problem. I don't know if it was a coincidence, but when i got back from having them check it. I pushed on the wires that go to the strater and had no problem for about 2 months then it started agian. What should i do different this time when i bring it in to them? They are ASE and have trusted them for 15 yrs bring it

Answer 1

It sounds like corrosion in wiring or poor battery.

Do you have the proper battery(or better) for that vehicle installed?

Batteries are created differently. Besides dimensions and type terminal they are rated by cold cranking amps(ability to start different size loads) and amps(matched to your cars electrical system to recharge). And as with people age effects batteries...

If you are sure the battery tests okay and is the proper one(or a better one) you have a circuit problem.

Either the contact(mating area where the terminals meet each other) is marginal or corrosion has attacked within the insulation.

As the starter is usually located low it is subject to more of the road and weather's nastiness.

Either possibility is easily overlooked and what you need is their 'expert' on this type of problem... easy enough for a trained person to find and fix... the hard part is to find that person!

ASE qualifications does not guarantee that is the person you need working on that problem(but over all not a bad thingy to look for).

Good luck and if you explain your problem to the service manager/owner I'm sure you'll have no problem finding that 'right' person. If dissatisfaction continues then you need to find ASE technicians at another location!

By the by if your 'pushing' in caused the problem to be 'fixed' for several months than you may have already 'diagnosed' the location of marginal connection(s). Your push caused a 'better'
connection until it too corroded/loosened(and eventually should fail entirely- no start!).

This can be a few dollars to fix or too much! A lot of places fear this type of problem or lack the proper skills or equipment to repair properly. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

Try checking the battery cables. They can get corroded inside and look good. Look for bulges on the cables. Also check the battery ends and wherever they connect. Be sure to check the ground wire on both ends. I've seen guys replace batteries, alternators, and starters, only to find out the ground cable wasn't tight to the frame, or because of bad battery cables. My question would be, what kind of "ASE" certified mechanics have you been going to who haven't noticed you going through starters or not checked into why? Also, have you checked the condition of your battery? If it is not holding a charge you will get the same symptoms. Or an alternator not keeping the battery maintained.

Answer 3

stop buying reman starters. not trying to sound snotty but they were worn out before already and rebuilt. Buy a new one. The price should not be that much different. Do Not buy them from Advanced Auto Parts.

Answer 4

one of your ASE mechanics needs to figure out how to do a voltage drop test at your starter.

Answer 5

more than likely your wires got corrosion due to your coolant leak and need to be replaced

Answer 6

Sell that POS...