240 no start!

[digital.aaron]

So my 240 decided it'd rather sit in the parking lot than start so I can go home.

When I got in and turned the key, I noticed a horrible grating/buzzing sound coming from the passenger foot well. After a couple of attempts to start the car it finally got running, but I decided to turn it off and try to start it one more time
Of course it won't start now. Battery seems fine. My lights, radio and door locks all work
The buzzing from the foot well makes me think it may be the fuel pump relay, but I'm pretty inexperienced in this area. I also don't have any tools with me.

Looks like I'll be troubleshooting after I get towed home.

 

[miguel.760ti]

Fuel pump relay would be correct sir.

 

[digital.aaron]

Weird thing is, my head unit spit the CD out at some point.

Guess I'll be going to IPD tomorrow to pick up some new relays (yes, plural).

 

[digital.aaron]

I tried to jump the fuses, and then I also tried jumping the relay connector, but I don't hear the pump and get just a click when I try to crank the car.

I know it's not the neutral safety switch, since that's already bypassed.

Anything else I can try while I sit here waiting for the tow truck?

 

[miguel.760ti]

you probably killed the battery

 

[digital.aaron]

Nope, battery is good.

Starter is.seized up.

 

[miguel.760ti]

if you seize a redblock starter you should get a medal

 

[digital.aaron]

I'll take my medal then.

The tow truck guy helped me confirm it was a seized starter.

 

[smokeyfan1000]

Starter bendix failure, and/or armature shaft's bushings in starter hsg. is likely the culprit.

 

[Volvo Thief]

Same thing happening to my car! Did you replace the starter/solenoid?

 

[digital.aaron]

Not yet. I'm getting one from a member here. Hopefully it'll get here so I can do the work this weekend.

 

[Volvo Thief]

Whats the best way to tackle the starter from the top or bottom?

 

[TrickMick]

Whats the best way to tackle the starter from the top or bottom?

*depends* upon WHICH BOLTS are fitted...some are "thru bolts and nuts" -
others are bolt thru the bellhousing into the starter case....
- *ALWAYS* been MY luck to have the "get it from the ground" style when I'm
four degrees left of EAST BUMFUK w/o a jack and stands.......
this would be the "get it from the BOTTOM style of bolt thru bellhousing into the
starter....it CAN be "problematic" to get the "thru bolt / nut combo" if they've been
treated to a session w/a HAMFISTED DPO...I opt for the bottom method all the time
as it saves the worrry..prep for the bottom and be happy!

 

[mtd240]

If you get it from the bottom make sure you have a universal joint and a few extensions..1/2" ratchet would be good. The bolts are on there tight.

 

[TrickMick]

If you get it from the bottom make sure you have a universal joint and a few extensions..1/2" ratchet would be good. The bolts are on there tight.

^^^ YUP!
I bought a snazzy 36" long "1/2 drive to 3/8 square" extension
JUST FOR THIS JOB...(bell-housing bolts)...I can use a 24"
by 1/2"drive "breaker bar" to spin a 3/8" "wobble socket" (for CLEARANCE)
and put some REAL torque into the fasteners - they make a swell
*POP* when the bolts "break loose"....

 

[digital.aaron]

What a pain in the ass that was! There a few times I was ready to give up trying to get those bolts out. I think it almost would have been easier to pull the whole engine out to get to the stupid starter.

The one I pulled out had a ton of play in the shaft. It felt like the internals had crumbled inside the housing and there wasn't anything left to drive the motor.

The new one went in easily and is working like a charm.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys. I really hope I don't have to do this again any time soon.

 

[Volvo Thief]

What a pain in the ass that was! There a few times I was ready to give up trying to get those bolts out. I think it almost would have been easier to pull the whole engine out to get to the stupid starter.

The one I pulled out had a ton of play in the shaft. It felt like the internals had crumbled inside the housing and there wasn't anything left to drive the motor.

The new one went in easily and is working like a charm.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions guys. I really hope I don't have to do this again any time soon.

I tested my starter from the battery and the solenoid clicks but the starter does nothing. So
ya I'm bout to tackle this little bastard later today. Just have to somehow push the car uphill off the grass on to a flat surface so I can jack it up. Probably just gonna buy the right tools before I start this event to make it as easy as possible.