Start me up! Old Buick needs love.

April 2, 2007 7:48 AM

BuickFilter: I have an '86 Buick Century 4-cylinder (it's the "Iron Duke" motor). Yes, I know, hot. I think I need a new starter. What do you think?

The car runs like a champ, but starting it is getting trickier and trickier. The starter generally engages, but then disengages too quickly - sounds like the engine only turns over once or twice, then the starter just makes this sort of rrrrrmmmmmm! whizzing sound (it's clearly not engaged anymore). So sometimes it starts right away, but if it hasn't run for a while, or it's cold and/or damp, it takes many, many tries to start the thing. Sound like a new starter is needed?

Oh, and bonus points for tips on installing a new starter.

Thanks.

posted by Mister_A to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

First, make sure the mechanical connections on the old starter are in good shape - if you are lucky it might just be a loose bolt. Check on the electrical connection while you're at it.
posted by yohko at 8:30 AM on April 2, 2007

Luckily, DIY sites on Buick installations are all over the place. It's how I keep my wife's Park Avenue from causing a rip in the space-time continuum in my garage from general suckiness. I've installed a new starter twice in its lifetime.

Things that could be generally contributing to your problems if your starter replacement doesn't do the trick: Air filter, battery, wiring (*groan*). Also check the hardiness of your lines and pipes. A simple crack someplace can cause a domino-effect of symptoms.
posted by thanotopsis at 8:31 AM on April 2, 2007

I couldn't tell you if the starter is the problem, but here's how to replace the starter. It's from Chilton Library, which has all kinds of Automotive (original?) Manuals, and may be available through your local library, though I checked and didn't see it.

2.5L And 2.8L Engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Disconnect the solenoid wires and battery cable from the starter.

Image - Caption: "Disconnect the wires from the solenoid. Limited access can make this difficult"

4. Remove the bolt from the engine cross brace.
5. Place a prybar tool between the upper engine mount and engine to pry rearward. Support the engine.
6. Remove the 4 bolts holding the dust covers. Remove the dust covers.
7. Remove the 2 bolts attaching the starter.

Image - Caption:"Remove the bolts securing the starter to the engine"

8. On the 2.5L engine, remove the bolt attaching the starter bracket to the engine.
9. Remove the starter and any shims.

Image - Caption: "When removing the starter, be careful not to lose any shims which may be used"

To install:

If replacing the starter, transfer the starter bracket to the new starter.

10. Install the starter and any applicable shims.
11. Install the 2 starter attaching bolts.
12. On the 2.5L engine, install the bolt attaching the starter bracket to the engine.
13. Install the dust cover and 4 attaching bolts.
14. Connect the battery cable and solenoid wires.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Roll the engine forward and install the engine brace bolts.
17. Connect the negative battery cable.
posted by cashman at 8:37 AM on April 2, 2007

I had a totally sweet '81 Chevrolet Citation when I was in high school, and it had this same motor, and intermittently, the same problem.

If you're unlucky, your flywheel is missing some teeth. If you're lucky, the starter's engagement solenoid is shot, or the wiring is bad. My solution was typically to pull the wires off the starter, then plug them back in again, and it usually worked.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 8:48 AM on April 2, 2007

Good stuff, thanks. And please keep 'em coming.
posted by Mister_A at 9:00 AM on April 2, 2007

Might not be missing teeth on the flywheel, but have a few that are fucked up. My Impala had an unfortunate run-in with a large rock hitting the flywheel cover, and in the past few years every once in a while the bendix can't engage fully.

But yeah, replace the starter, for starters.
posted by notsnot at 11:40 AM on April 2, 2007

It sounds like the Bendix, the spring-loaded clutch on the starter which lets it get out of the way when the engine is running, is going bad.

Pull off the starter and take it to an AutoParts place that can test it. It's probably bad and you can just buy a replacement there.

Disconnect your battery cable before you pull the starter, or take it to a shop. It's a break-and-butter job for a pro and won't take long, and they can tell you what it'll cost before they start.

But I'm going with Bendix.
posted by Elvis at 12:54 PM on April 3, 2007

Thanks everyone; in case anyone reads this, I replaced the starter and solenoid with a rebuilt unit, and it works like a charm. Thanks NAPA!
posted by Mister_A at 9:33 AM on April 13, 2007