weak starter when cold

tim281

New Member

Dec 18, 2005

125

1

0

Portland, OR

Feb 2, 2009

#1

• Feb 2, 2009

• #1

I am guessing a weak starter motor at cold engine is probably a connection problem? Because when the car is warmed up and hot the starter sounds normal, but when it is cold it turns slowly and eventually fires up.
Probably thermal expansion on the loose interface that makes a better connection at warmer temps?

I did a search and found a lot of stuff about weak starters at warm conditions, but nothing about cold conditions.

Anyone had an expierences like this? I will be checking the connections soon...

About 100k on the engine, any idea on how long a starter lasts? I would imagine is it still good for another 50 to 100k....

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

18

108

Chicagoland

Feb 2, 2009

#2

• Feb 2, 2009

• #2

What kinda temperatures are we talking about here? I'd be more inclined to look at the battery before the starter with those symptoms.

 

tim281

New Member

Dec 18, 2005

125

1

0

Portland, OR

Feb 2, 2009

#3

• Feb 2, 2009

• #3

Forgot to mention I just did the battery so I think it is ok. The temperatures in Portland are around 30 degrees in the morning and that is when I notice the weak motor issue.

 

millhouse

Founding Member

May 14, 2002

1,985

0

46

Simpsonville, SC

Feb 2, 2009

#4

• Feb 2, 2009

• #4

Normally when a starter goes....it goes.

I'd check to ensure all of your electrical connections are good including your grounds.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Feb 2, 2009

#5

• Feb 2, 2009

• #5

Another vote to check the battery and connections.

 

monte87

Founding Member

Feb 26, 2001

876

18

49

new york

Feb 2, 2009

#6

• Feb 2, 2009

• #6

battery

 

RYC CUKR

Founding Member

May 19, 2002

1,437

1

38

Orlando

Feb 3, 2009

#7

• Feb 3, 2009

• #7

If you have recently replaced the battery I would look into replacing the positive and negative cables especially if they are the originals. Over time they break down and can cause lots of slow or no start problems. Plenty of guys have had issues and replaced the cables and voila problem solved.

 

M

Makdaddymac

New Member

May 28, 2005

323

1

0

orlando

Feb 4, 2009

#8

• Feb 4, 2009

• #8

2nd wires, and i know its opposite to your problem when the timing is advanced a warm engine is hard to start up with timing advanced i could be wrong but would retarded timing have the opposite effect? lol. i am pissn in the wind on this one sorry...

 

Evilfox

New Member

Dec 2, 2008

45

0

0

Elk Grove, Ca

Feb 4, 2009

#9

• Feb 4, 2009

• #9

Check your wire connections on the start solenoid as mentioned earlier. Also should check the wires on your start relay which is located on drivers side fender apron.

Other then a loose connection I really can't think of anything that would cause a weak cold start other then a weak battery.

 

MuDDuQ

Member

Sep 25, 2005

32

1

8

Feb 4, 2009

#10

• Feb 4, 2009

• #10

In extreme temperatures the oil you use can affect the engine turning over slow because your oil is simply cold and thick. At 30 degrees that shouldn't be the issue but in below zero conditions it can happen. I use synthetic oil and it defiantly helps a lot in very cold conditions.