I had 82 Chevy Malibu station wagon in the early 90s while in college. The thing would start like a champion on the second turn, NEVER the first.
Which was fine except the contacts on the solenoid started sticking when it was below freezing. It would sit there and run the battery down unless you jumped out reached underneath with something heavy to knock the solenoid loose… Get back, now being the second try, it would immediately start like a champ…
Did that for 3 months before I finally changed the starter.
I feel knocking the starter with a hammer is a universal 80s driving experience. Like changing the electric distributor contacts mid trip, and using starter spray when the damn thing refuses to turn on again.
Been a while, but this can also work on the starter. Just a suggestion, keep the hammer weight under 2lbs.
I had 82 Chevy Malibu station wagon in the early 90s while in college. The thing would start like a champion on the second turn, NEVER the first.
Which was fine except the contacts on the solenoid started sticking when it was below freezing. It would sit there and run the battery down unless you jumped out reached underneath with something heavy to knock the solenoid loose… Get back, now being the second try, it would immediately start like a champ…
Did that for 3 months before I finally changed the starter.
Preferably with a rubber head
Oh shit, 1000%!
You just reminded me that I have a rubber mallet, that needs to go in the truck…
Kept a hammer in the passenger footwell of my '89 Volvo wagon for exactly this reason.
No start? Pop the hood, and pop the starter.
I feel knocking the starter with a hammer is a universal 80s driving experience. Like changing the electric distributor contacts mid trip, and using starter spray when the damn thing refuses to turn on again.