740 starts on its schedule.

[Davedaknight]

My 1990 740GLE has picked up a nasty habit. It won't start; not immediately, anyway. Sometimes it took twenty-plus attempts before the starter kicked over; the garage replaced the ignition switch two weeks ago- two days later same thing. I have to hold the switch in the "START" position until it finally decides to kick in- I have counted out loud to "one-thousand- one, one thous. . ." Besides people questioning my sanity, it's very irritating.

[LaRy]

I have noticed in my Volvo that it is some sort of delay like 10 - 20 seconds if you try to start a second time within just a few seconds. This delay is there probably because the starter should stop before next try to start. I have never tried to figure out where this delay circuit is coming from, but if you look at an electrical drawing, the ignition switch is giving voltage almost straight to the solenoid in the starter. My guess is that the component making the delay is inside the solenoid in the starter, maybe by some bimetal heaten up each time you try to start. In your case this delay circuit is not working good. I would check by a voltage meter if the solenoid is getting voltage in the same moment as you turn the key to start position, but notning happens for 20 seconds. Then it must be inside the starter!

[Davedaknight]

Thanks for the input; I suspect it's somewhere in the starter as you posted. I asked a mechanic about the delay and he told me the delay isn't from a component; it's because the starter can't engage until the bendix (the do-whammy that pulls the starter gear back and away from the flywheel after the engine starts in technical terms) has allowed the gear to fully retract into the housing and come to a stop. Hmmmmm. I wish I had another starter to stick on there. I am I on the right track? Anyone?