Hey Guys. New to the forum here. I am driving a 1978, 245 that my Dad bought new when I was 10. He has since passed, but it is still have it as my daily driver. It has been a great car and well maintained, with 99% of the work needed being done by either my Dad or myself. I think the death of this car will be the eventual running out of available parts someday...

I'm having a 2 starting issues that hopefully you can help. Not sure if they are related or not. It started a month or two ago. It first started with a slight (a split second) delay when turning the key to start. You would turn the key all the way to the right, have a dead spot of a split second, and then the starter would engage and turn over the car as normal. It would happen sporadically though. Then one day I turned the key and the starter was just slow and weak, like "rugh-rugh-rugh". I would turn the key off, wait a second and then try again. It would fire right over like nothing was wrong. Again, not all the time though; maybe once every 5 or 6 starts.

I changed the ignition switch a year ago, along with a brand new Bosch starter (not rebuilt) as it was turning over slower than normal. Seemed to do the trick. I also changed the spark plugs, wires and coil for a tune up at the same time. Only drive about 2-3 thousand miles a year on it. With the recent starting issues described above, I changed the battery and both battery cables and ground strap that connects engine to back firewall. When I did, the starting issues seemed to be fixed; both starting issues cleared up for about 2 weeks. Today, however, I got both the delay at one stop running errands and then the "rugh-rugh-rugh" at another stop.

Any ideas on what these symptoms can be? I know there is a ignition module up on the passenger side inner fender well. Can this be causing any of the symptoms? Greatly appreciate any help or insights.

Thanks!

 

Rusty245 I'm surprised you have not had replies.
You seem to have covered the usual issues with the potentially weak electrical system that could affect starter performance. Do not overlook that the issue could be the starter itself.
I have a 1993 240 that seems to go through starters every few years. Very frustrating to have to take it to a shop since the upper bolt is crazy impossible to remove without a lift.

My question now is whether the solenoid on the starter for my year is replaceable without the entire starter. It is a much less expensive part than a whole starter and does not involve a core charge.

Hopefully, this bump will grab someone's attention and we will both get answers.