My 1985 El Camino will not start once my starter gets hot, is this a starter problem?

Question

My 85 El Camino won't start once the engine and starter get hot. When the engine is cold the car turns on, but once i turn it off it won't do anything when i turn the key. If I wait a several hours untill its cold it will turn on. And if i wait about an hour it still won't do anything, but if I use jumper cables with another car it turns on. I have also noticed that a couple of weeks ago when I was looking under my car the starter was just hanging from the battery wires, apparently the bolts were lose and must have fallen out when driving. I have replaced the bolts since then but now everytime i try to start it (when its cold) i have to turn the key a couple of times because I can hear the starter spinning but only the starter my engine isn't cranking. So I turn the key a couple of times and usuall by the 3rd or 4th time it crank. Are these problems related? Is my starter bad? Or do i have several problems here?

Answer 1

Replace your starter. GM rebuilt starters are pretty cheap under $60.

Answer 2

Other answers look pretty good.
I'll add --

Current to the starter causes the gear to slide out against the return spring to engage the flywheel. If the battery is weak or if the starter solenoid contacts are corroded, you might not get a good engagement.

The windings may have an issue, too - but usually the problem lies in the solenoid. On GM vehicles, the solenoid is frequently right in the starter.

If your battery is more than 5 years old, theres a good chance its getting tired. Might want to have both the battery and the starter bench tested. (AutoZone, Murray's, PepBoys, Advance -- any of those kind of places)

Answer 3

it does sound like you have more than one problem but all sound like they are with the starter itself.



it sounds like the drive gear on the starter may be sticking and not coming out right away to engage the flywheel or the drive gear teeth may be damaged so when it is turning it has to get to a spot where there are teeth before it can engage the flywheel.


as for the not starting while hot it sounds like it could be a solenoid problem. i suggest first you replace the starter as it is the cheapest thing to replace. while you have the starter out check the flywheel just to see if it has any damage from the starter hanging down

Answer 4

You own a GM. This is a very common problem. you can replace the starter, but this will keep happening. When you do replace the starter, look into a starter blanket. The parts store will know what you are asking for. It is very much a good investment. And your bendix gear is effed up. Do replace your starter and check the flywheel/flexplate teeth to see if there are teeth missing.

Answer 5

Sounds like a bad starter solenoid. its spinning but not kicking it out to engage the flywheel. Take it to advance and have it tested.

Answer 6

sound,s like your starter Bendix gear has gone bad.....or at least going bad.....you could replace it....along with a new solenoid switch & a set of new brushes.....but that still leave,s the armature un checked.......best buy a rebuilt starter with a warranty.....you,ll save in the long run. good luck!