Starter?

My wife & I have had one of the worst weeks ever. 3-days ago, her truck suddenly overheated & all the antifreze from the radiator leaked out from her floor heater vents right onto the f**king floorboards (so now the carpet down there is all sticky w/ antifreeze - Yuk!)

We re-filled the radiator and are leaving the heater off until we can get the truck in & looked at this weekend. We think it's a blown heater core - this happened to her truck once before (Cost to fix = $300 - $400).

So....we've been carpooling to the park & ride this week in my beater van ('89 Dodge ram P.O.S.). It's been a great van. I got it for $1000. It's moved my wife & I twice, two friends, taken us camping a few times and been great for hauling stuff/trips to the dump.

Well.....yesterday when we got back to the park & ride, it wouldn't start. When I turn the key, I hear the starter motor going, but it sounds like the starter motor gear is stripped (How, I have no f'ing idea). I just hear a sound somewhat similar to what you hear when you turn the key & the engine is already running.

Does the van issue sound just like what I've described? (A stripped starter gear?) If so, is that pretty easy to fix for a ram van?

I'm not sure I want to even try/bother. I may just say f-it & donate the van. Spring is just about here, so I can get by on my motorcycle for at least the next 7 months or so. By then, however, I'll have to make sure I have myself something new (well...used...but new to me).

However, if the van issue will be easy/cheap to fix, I'll consider it.

Thoughts?

f**k.

[SpeedracerCJR]

get a new starter, happened to me and the sounds you described sound exactly like a stripped starter gear. It happens, some metal fatigue is all it takes for those things to shred to pieces. I had a 90 Ford Explorer couple of years ago and it was only 100 bucks to get a new refurbished starter from Orielly Auto Parts, I think it came with a lifetime warranty, or something pretty good. Putting them on is kinda a pain in the ass, as they are heavy and are usually wedged deep in the engine compartment, but a little elbow work and a friend can make short work of it.

OK. Thanks Speed. I think I spoted where it's at (sort of under the engine on the left side).

I'm seeing if a friend can arrange an inexpensive tow for me (the van is still at the park & ride), then I'll work on it from home.

[Da Rafsta]

Hope it turns out well.

Well....we'll see. I'm waiting for a reply right now from the agent who helped us with our mortagage.

If we can get a decent personal loan, I may just say f-it & get something else (A used van on SUV).

I'll keep you all posted....

[SpeedracerCJR]

God frag, get an SUV or something BESIDES a van, I mean I know your an old fart, but there is no reason to drive a vehicle that confirms it! LOL

[caduceus]

...old fart? *goes 'wow'*

I'm only considering a van for the space (We like to go camping). 90% of it's useage will just be to get to/from the park & ride for work.

[Da Rafsta]

@ old fart.

[Pops]

Frag, Yes it sounds like the starter gear has gone bad. That is not that expensive to fix. The starter itself shouldnt cost you more than $75.00 and I would not expect anymore than the same amount for labor. So, 150.00 should cover it all.

[Victor Cutlass]

What you could always do, I used to do this with my Oldsmobile, is go to the dump and find a ram van, then grab the starter out yourself, it will be a lot cheaper, although you won't have any assurance for it, but atleast that way if your tearing apart a van to find one, it's not yours, and you'll know how to do it once you start to work on yours.

I had a friend w/ some mechanic skills go by the car @ the park & ride & look for me. He got the starter out & it's fine.......

Unfortunately, that means it's the flywheel..........major transmission troubles time.

Forget it. I'm donating the van & getting a 'cheap' car to get me 1 1/2 years until I can re-finance my house (then I'll have more $$$ to trade up to a better car).

[SpeedracerCJR]

OUCH!

that sucks major balls

[Pops]

Originally Posted by Frag Monger

I had a friend w/ some mechanic skills go by the car @ the park & ride & look for me. He got the starter out & it's fine.......

Unfortunately, that means it's the flywheel..........major transmission troubles time.

Forget it. I'm donating the van & getting a 'cheap' car to get me 1 1/2 years until I can re-finance my house (then I'll have more $$$ to trade up to a better car).

Sorry to hear that Frag. That definitely blows chunks. How in the world did the flywheel giveway before the starter gear ? 2 different metals and the starter gear is much softer. Well if you need help finding anything Frag I will be more than happy to help you.

Pops It'll run Carlot is always at your service.

[emptybeerkann]

Originally Posted by Pops

Sorry to hear that Frag. That definitely blows chunks. How in the world did the flywheel giveway before the starter gear ? 2 different metals and the starter gear is much softer. Well if you need help finding anything Frag I will be more than happy to help you.

Pops It'll run Carlot is always at your service.

That does sound very very odd. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell without looking at it.

I was going to say that it sounded like your solenoid was failing, and thus not fully engaging the flywheel enough to turn it.

But you took the starter to a parts store and had it tested?

That sucks. I hope you can find something that will suit your needs.