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AnthonyStargate · 07-01-2008, 01:08 PM

I had the starter tested at a local auto parts store. The testing machine said the starter passed on voltage and current. The readings were:

_________Low__Actual___High
voltage___7.00__13.19___19.00
current__15.00__59.95__100.00

But those actual numbers are middle of the road. John, the parts clerk, said the machine can not test the starter under a load. Ooooh, that was a light bulb moment! So I figured the starter was strong enough to pass the test when it was not under a load, but not strong enough to turn the engine over.

I bought a rebuilt starter and installed it this morning. It's not possible turn the nut and bolt that hold the starter in place by hand, I had to use a socket and an extension. The nut fell out of the socket twice. Then I discovered a bit of paper towel around the nut would hold it snuggly in the socket. That was one less headache to deal with.

I put everything back together and it fired up! I learned that even though a starter might pass the machine test, look at the voltage and current. The starter might be too weak to actually turn the engine. And I learned don't buy a starter from a junk yard. It will certainly be used and may be almost worn out. A rebuilt starter is worth the extra money. (The junk yard starter has a 30 day warranty, so I can return it tomorrow.)

This one is solved

07-01-2008, 01:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
AnthonyStargate Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: I'm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Posts: 35 OS: Windows XP service pack 2	Re: 1991 Geo Storm will not start or crank I had the starter tested at a local auto parts store. The testing machine said the starter passed on voltage and current. The readings were: _________Low__Actual___High voltage___7.00__13.19___19.00 current__15.00__59.95__100.00 But those actual numbers are middle of the road. John, the parts clerk, said the machine can not test the starter under a load. Ooooh, that was a light bulb moment! So I figured the starter was strong enough to pass the test when it was not under a load, but not strong enough to turn the engine over. I bought a rebuilt starter and installed it this morning. It's not possible turn the nut and bolt that hold the starter in place by hand, I had to use a socket and an extension. The nut fell out of the socket twice. Then I discovered a bit of paper towel around the nut would hold it snuggly in the socket. That was one less headache to deal with. I put everything back together and it fired up! I learned that even though a starter might pass the machine test, look at the voltage and current. The starter might be too weak to actually turn the engine. And I learned don't buy a starter from a junk yard. It will certainly be used and may be almost worn out. A rebuilt starter is worth the extra money. (The junk yard starter has a 30 day warranty, so I can return it tomorrow.) This one is solved