Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

[Coors]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

It was a battery problem, now a starter/timing problem. First.

 

[superpop]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Sure sounds like a timing issue to me.

 

[Coors]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Yep, and a factory manual.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

thanks to all of you for your input!! I'll be gone until monday, so I will update after next week. I'm going out boating and fishing...well maybe just fishing...

 

[Coors]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

You can just get the bendix replaced on the starter.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Thanks for the tip Coors, I will do that!

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l update

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l update

The local boat shops are way backed up and haven't been able to get it in to be timed yet. But I did try one thing, tell me if this means anything. I took out the spark plugs and the engine turns effortlessly (many different turns of the key). Then I put the plugs in and disconnected the coil, and again it turned over just fine, a least 10 seperate turns of the key. Then I connected the coil and on the first try it started, the second time it did the big loud grind. Also, when its on, it runs good, and usually starts easy. (besides the starter problem) The last outing we used the GPS to check our speed at 42mph. If its timing, would it run good?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

When you adjusted the timing did you use a timing light? Did you put the distributor in base timing mode before you adjusted it?

I do not believe timing is the problem with your starter grinding.

 

[superpop]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

If the timing is far enough off it will indeed cause the problem he is describing. Pre detonation of a cylinder is all it takes to stop that starter cold or create the loud bang. Not sure if it would run right at all though so it could be something else. Maybe a bad ignition module. Just guessing though.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

His problem is grinding. The starter is not engaging into the ring properly. I agree that, just to be sure, he should get his timing set correctly though.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

We were on the lake and my "mechanic friend" just turned the distributor, it died and upon starting, it did the bad starter grind! Later my Father-in-law (a former auto Mech) tried to time it, but could not find the timing marks. Maybe that is when the damage was done?! I'm beginning to think timing isn't the problem either! lets say its ring gear, how bad do the teeth have to be to cause a problem? No teeth are missing, but they do have some nicks on the edges, but nothing severe.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Your "mechanic friend" is not a very good mechanic if that is how he is trying to time your engine.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

You've got that right!! And I'm a big DOOFUS for letting him do it!!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

What is the history of the starter that you have on there right now? Did you buy it new?

Do you have a manual so that you know how to set the timing correctly? You are going to need a shunt to set the distributor in base timing mode.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

The starter was brand new, then I installed it and after a few starts (loud and grinding) it was damaged. I took it in to be rebuilt and they replaced the bendix and replaced the plastic gear/ teeth ( there was nothing left except bits of plastic in the grease) that surounds the planitary gears, sorry I don't know the terms for all the parts. I have not tried this repaired starter. I do have a manual, but as you may have guessed, I am no mechanic! I am willing to get anything needed to work this out. Can I get a shunt at an auto parts store?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Can you pull the starter, take, and post some pics of the flywheel (what you see to be the worst spots) and the starter drive? It sounds like you definitely have a starter/flywheel issue to resolve.

If someone has disturbed the timing and it sounds like they have, you could turn the distributor counter clock wise a couple/few degrees (if you understand degrees verses some or a little bit) to slow the timing down. Advanced timing is what can cause the starter to kick back. Once you get it running you need to immediately get or have the timing set correctly.

 

[bba]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

The starter is out now, I will get some pics after work tommorrow and post. I don't have the damaged drive from the starter that has been repaired, but I do have a different rebuilt starter that shows severe damage ( from same problem) to the drive that I can take pics of. I have been hesitant to try to start it, but understand it needs to be on to be timed.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

For right now, disconnect the ignition to get that variable out of the equation. Once you get the starter working correctly, then you can go and figure out your timing problem.

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

I agree with Bruce....It's really hard trying to fix too many things at once...you kinda lose track and don't seem to get anywhere....concentrate on one problem and get it resolved before moving on to the next.

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: Grinding starter, volvo 4.3l

Also...you may find that the engine turns over just fine when it's not firing....possibly.