Starter drag? '93 940Turbo

jackwk · Post by **jackwk** » 22 Jan 2007, 14:13

It sounds like the starter is dragging after the engine starts and I release the key. It has this grinding sound for about 2 seconds. I have no other "strange" happenings electrically like many describe when the key switch starts to fail. This engine has @ 165K and runs pretty good except for a few annoyances. This problem has me the most worried right now.

thanks,
Jack

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Jan 2007, 15:37

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Some questions:

How long has this been happening?
Does it happen when the engine is hot, cold or both?
What is the outside temp in Ohio now?

With the mileage on your car and assuming it's the original starter motor it is quite possible that there is a build up of dust in the starter motor and the oil/grease on the moving parts has dried out. The reason I asked about temperatures was that this can sometimes be more pronounced when it is cold. My 850 sometimes does it and my 940 did.

Apart from removing the starter and taking it apart to oil/grease it there is little that can be done.

Bill.

jackwk · Post by **jackwk** » 24 Jan 2007, 06:01

Bill,
The starter drag problem is more like 1 sec. I paid more attention last night. Ohio is near the freezing point right now, but this has been going on for some time. In the last 2 months it has been in the mid 50s and the sound happens with every start. I recently bought a 700 series with front end damage so I'll keep that starter and experiment when I have time.

If I may lay another problem on you I would like to describe to you another noise. This car (my first Volvo) seems to have alot of engine compartment noise. I could also call it belt noise, it could be getting worse. Friends have recommended a stethoscope but without a frame of reference I'm not sure I could zero in on the noise. Should I use my wrecked 700 series to compare or should I remove one belt at a time when I investigate the starter problem?

thanks

Post by **billofdurham** » 24 Jan 2007, 09:44

I would still suspect that the starter is in need of oil/grease but if you have a 'spare' wait and use that, if it fits.

Regarding the belts: before removing any of them give them all a good visual check for wear/cracking on the underside. Also check the tension of each belt. On the longest run of any belt, using firm thumb or finger pressure, the deflection should be between 0.2 & 0.4 inches. A worn or slack belt will make a noise. Any suspect belt should be changed.

As for a stethoscope - well, where to listen for a belt noise. I have used a 'mechanic's stethoscope' to listen for valve and other engine noises but these have been in the engine and fairly easy to detect.

A 'mechanic's stethoscope' is a large screwdriver with the pointy end placed on the engine and the blunt end placed on the ear - that is the best way because it hurts if you reverse it. (Excuse my drift off the point).

Bill.

jackwk · Post by **jackwk** » 04 Feb 2007, 09:25

Well, now there is more to the story. I have noted some coolant on the water pump. Now I am think the pump is suspect, I would prefer to take short "safe" trips but now I am two hrs from home. The v- belts have reduced the engine compartment noise considerably but the starter drag theory may be the pump. I am also burning too much oil on this trip but thats for another topic. I still prefer a car I can work on.