Starter misses engagement first time when cold?????

[TRodney]

Does anyone know what would cause the starter to miss engagment on the first throw in the morning when it is cold (35-40 in Phx)?



I have a new Mean-Green starter that has worked perfectly for the last six months, but for the last week, it misses engagment every morning on the first turn of the key, then everything works fine on the next turn.



This is happening on my 94'.



Any suggestions will be appreciated.



Thanks,

Tim

 

[Fish]

The starter isn't getting enough juice that first time.

1. check the voltage regulator to see if it healthy.

2. Check the circuit from the key switch to the starter for arcing or excess condensation on wires and connection at that time a day. Condensation could cause the starter not to get enough amperage to make it work right.

 

[jodog]

35 40 degrees!!!!!! Your truck doesn,t know what cold is.

Just kiddin when you say miss. Do you hear a grind or is it like the key is dead?

 

[TRodney]

It grinds every morning on the first turn of the key. After that, it starts with plenty of power and turns over very fast.



This Mean-Green starter really spins, so I am going to look into checking the batteries. I have two red-top optimas that are about two year old. But, the grid heater pulls them down a good bit when it is on. Tomorrow morning I am going to try kicking the starter over before I let the grid heater pull on the batteries and see if it makes a difference. I am also going to check the batteries.



Thanks,

Tim

 

[jodog]

I allways thuoght the grind was a sign of worn bendix gear or chipped ring gear. might be as simple as loose bolts or miss alingment. I had an old furry that had shim plates between the starter an bell house.



Just sold 89 f250 that would make that noise 6 times a year didn't care enough to do anything about it . Listen to it for 4 years

 

[TRodney]

Problem Solved

Had my batteries (red-top optimas) checked and one of them was bad. Therefore, I replaced both of them. They gave me $80 towards the one that was bad (was only 25 months old, missed free replacement by one month), and I had to buy the other. Kept the good one to use in something else.



Started the truck this morning and everything was perfect.



Thanks for y'alls assistance.



Thanks,

Tim

 

[illflem]

Good reason to buy your Optimas from Interstate Batteries, free replacement is 36 months. They many cost a little more but the extended warranty is worth it.