Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starter Sticking?

[TStetson]

The other day i went to start my truck (would not start cuz of fuel shut off problem) and when i let go of the key it kept cranking!!! Dose any one know why it dose this? If so how can i fix this little problem. I know it has done it before cuz it make a notiable sound. I am glad i found this board some very helpful people on here.

 

[Extreme1]

It sounds like the starter solonoid contacts sticking. There is a repair kit for around $16 and it is easy to install. Do a search.

 

[**ICEMAN**]

been there,,,,,contacts were the problem. simple fix!!

 

[Deezul1]

Me too its easy and cheap

 

[Oliver88]

Starter solenoid

I did the solenoid fix. Easily done. When I was finished the starter hung in the on position with me. Once the pieces got seated everything was fine.

Greg

 

[Cummins Corvette]

Don't even buy the pieces, just make 'em. (Just kidding, well, unless you are trying to fix it on a saturday night and can't buy them!!)

 

[Bluhaven]

Originally posted by Extreme1

It sounds like the starter solonoid contacts sticking. There is a repair kit for around $16 and it is easy to install. Do a search.

Where do I find the parts for this fix, my starter needs this done?

 

[R.ebel]

Starter parts

I coped and pasted the following from another post. The price for the complete repair kit as of August was $29. 95(approx. ) plus shipping. It's an easy fix, just be sure to get the installed contacts as straight as possible. Mine were a little off and caused the strarter to hang occasionaly. The contacts are straight now and the starter hasn't given me any more problems.



"In TDR issue #25 (summer 99) on page 18 there is an article on the solenoid repair. I'll quote one relevant section here:



"Off we go in Roger's 3500... to find Keith Swearingen's Diesel Electric Service Company, at 917 North Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ (520-836-8231). Keith is a friendly, knowledgable type that knows everything about heavy-duty diesel electrical systems. I show him my problem. He goes to his microfiche and quickly asks, "Do you want just the fixed contact for $5, or the complete repair kit with new movable contacts, spring, both fixed contacts, insulators and all for $25?" I can't believe my good fortune! "I'll take the complete repair kit," I stammer, quickly comparing $25 to $350 (part #19907, $24. 38 plus tax and shipping). Keith says that he ships parts all over the US by United Parcel Service. His shop takes Visa/MC too! Keith goes on to share a tip with me. "Make sure that when you reinstall the fixed contacts, you let both of them bottom out against the housing insulator so they will be perfectly level before you tighten up the mounting bolt studs in the elongated slots. This will prevent one side of the contact hitting the movable contact and not the entire surface. If you don't, one side or edge won't be able to carry the current required to crank the engine and will burn prematurely. " That makes sense, I conclude. I pay my $25 and head back to fix the truck. " This was for a '94 but I'm pretty sure it's the same starter. The parts guy listed up above would know I'm sure. He also mentioned in this article that a new starter was $670 and that you could get a reman for $350 exchange (according to a Dodge parts guy). Good luck, hope this helps!"

 

[Bluhaven]

Re: Starter parts

Originally posted by R. ebel

I coped and pasted the following from another post. The price for the complete repair kit as of August was $29. 95(approx. ) plus shipping. It's an easy fix, just be sure to get the installed contacts as straight as possible. Mine were a little off and caused the strarter to hang occasionaly. The contacts are straight now and the starter hasn't given me any more problems.



"In TDR issue #25 (summer 99) on page 18 there is an article on the solenoid repair. I'll quote one relevant section here:



"Off we go in Roger's 3500... to find Keith Swearingen's Diesel Electric Service Company, at 917 North Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ (520-836-8231). Keith is a friendly, knowledgable type that knows everything about heavy-duty diesel electrical systems. I show him my problem. He goes to his microfiche and quickly asks, "Do you want just the fixed contact for $5, or the complete repair kit with new movable contacts, spring, both fixed contacts, insulators and all for $25?" I can't believe my good fortune! "I'll take the complete repair kit," I stammer, quickly comparing $25 to $350 (part #19907, $24. 38 plus tax and shipping). Keith says that he ships parts all over the US by United Parcel Service. His shop takes Visa/MC too! Keith goes on to share a tip with me. "Make sure that when you reinstall the fixed contacts, you let both of them bottom out against the housing insulator so they will be perfectly level before you tighten up the mounting bolt studs in the elongated slots. This will prevent one side of the contact hitting the movable contact and not the entire surface. If you don't, one side or edge won't be able to carry the current required to crank the engine and will burn prematurely. " That makes sense, I conclude. I pay my $25 and head back to fix the truck. " This was for a '94 but I'm pretty sure it's the same starter. The parts guy listed up above would know I'm sure. He also mentioned in this article that a new starter was $670 and that you could get a reman for $350 exchange (according to a Dodge parts guy). Good luck, hope this helps!"

Thanks for the reply, I'll call Monday and order the parts. Thanks again, this was my first time using the forums, looks like this is the place for quick answers.

 

[dhauser]

Starter Sticking / another option

My 96 has the Starter Stick problem (77K mi) after reading the numerous posts and shopping around the local auto parts houses, I desided to buy a rebuilt starter from Discount Auto Parts (Indian Harbour Beach FL) and just replace it for $215. What turned the corner to go this way vice just put in contacts is the rebuilt starter has a lifetime warrantee. This has worked well in the past for me on starters and generators on my Corvette's. Any problems just pull it out and and get a new one N/C. Only had to do it once, was a Pep Boys unit, no problem! Just another way to go if you plan to keep your truck for a loooong time.

DH

 

[Gifford]

new starter

I bought a new starter from CUmmns West in San Leandro, CA for 224. 00 (97 12V) Much cheaper than the stealer...

 

[LarryB]

Go here for >> "Starter contacts install instructions"



#ad

 

[illflem]

Re: Starter Sticking / another option

Originally posted by dhauser

My 96 has the Starter Stick problem (77K mi) after reading the numerous posts and shopping around the local auto parts houses, I desided to buy a rebuilt starter from Discount Auto Parts (Indian Harbour Beach FL) and just replace it for $215. What turned the corner to go this way vice just put in contacts is the rebuilt starter has a lifetime warrantee. This has worked well in the past for me on starters and generators on my Corvette's. Any problems just pull it out and and get a new one N/C. Only had to do it once, was a Pep Boys unit, no problem! Just another way to go if you plan to keep your truck for a loooong time.

DH

dh, the only problem with going your way is sometimes when the contacts wear down and the starter sticks it will take out your $150 shut down solenoid with it, doubt if the starter warranty will cover that. You're better off to practice preventive maintenence on the starter and replace the contacts before they stick. Just replacing the $20 contacts only adds half hour tops vs replacing the entire starter.

 

[dhauser]

Dear illflem, question, how do you know if that is the only thing wrong with the starter? After reading Larry B's liturature he states some folks have good luck with the contacts and others do not! And some starters are just a problem looking for a place to happen after new contacts are installed. As a new/rebuilt unit has new contacts/brushes/bearings and should last around 75/100K mi. I guess one would have to be somewhat of a riverboat gambler and hope the shut off sol. does not get fried the first time it hangs up around 175/200K mi. Mine has hung up twice now (78k mi. ) and sol. is still OK, truck is grounded until Sat. when I fix it. I am going to check around tomorrow at the two Auto Electric shops in the area and see if they have contact kits and if I can get any more input. I am also going to check and see what kind of batt. cut off is available so I can dis-connect power FAST without fumbling with wrenches in the "heat of battle". My truck is used like a family car and probably has more ware and tear on the starter than an "over the road" rig. I will make "my final answer" tomorrow, but I think I will opt for a rebuilt unit. All the best, dh

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by dhauser

Dear illflem, question, how do you know if that is the only thing wrong with the starter?

You don't know but worn contacts are by far the most common problem. $20, which is a high end price, I've seen contacts as low as $5, isn't much to lose if it doesn't correct the problem. Taking the starter in to an automotive electric shop is a good plan, most will fix them while you wait for much cheaper than a rebuilt. There isn't really much that can go wrong with a starter.

 

[Bud Fox]

I agree with illflem I would check the contacts I just didi mine and then bought a set of Larry Bs for the next time. I use my truck as and everday vehicle also. Just to make sure last time I had a motor rebuild shop look at it to make sure there was no other damage and he even said that 99% of the time the contacts are the only thing to go bad. But you should do what makes you feel comfortable

 

[Steve Roseman]

dh, I replaced my contacts at 120k, no troubles since. It's your money so you do what makes you feel good. I didn't see a signature in your post, but I could think of some goodies you could buy for your truck with the money you'd save.

 

[dhauser]

Well i bit the $210 bullet and went for the rebuilt unit, didn't have time to wait for contacts in the mail. I must comment, the rebuilt unit really spins the Cummins over with authority compared to the old one with 78K miles. The wife is happy knowing the probability of having problems in the near future are low. I logged the milage and will check the contacts at 75K mi and trade the sucker in if they are worn. Thanks for all the input. dh

PS. easy way to brake the top bolt loose, use a 12pt box end wrench, put a screw jack up next to the diff and jack the wrench up to brake it loose. Could also use a 2x4 and a floor jack, no sweat and no busted knuckles.