Starter or overflow problem?

[farlex]

The other day when I was filling up gas the damn thing didn't stop when it was full and just kept right on pumping, by the time I realized it gas was gushing everywhere. Major overlow. Attendent would give me any money back....:(

But the now the problem, later that evening I went to pick up some things and was out of my car for maybe 2 minutes, then the car wouldn't start. The electricity turned on, but the engine didn't turn one bit, didn't make a peep. I went back in and back out (maybe 3 minutes) and it started right up. My gf had a similar experience the next day. Went in to get some food and when she came back out it wouldn't start. Ate some food (about 5 minutes) and then it started right up. So, the pattern seems to be it works fine unless it's been driven then turned off for a short time. Then it initially won't start at all, given a few minutes it does.

So my question to you guys is is this likely related to my gas catastrophe (engine flooded?) or is my starter likely dying? If it's b/c of the gas, is it something I should worry about (permanant?), or will it likely work itself out? It's a '89 Chevy pick-up (1500 (I think Silverado)), big gas tank, 20 gallons I believe.

[Tigger]

I'd say more likely an intermittant electrical fault.I'd start off by checking the battery connection,and work from there.

[farlex]

Hmm, but when I turn the key, all the electrical things work. Lights turn on, vents turn on, electrically everything powers on. It's just the engine doesn't even try. There have been electrical problems in the past though......

[Tigger]

Does the engine turn over when you turn the key?

[farlex]

Does the engine turn over when you turn the key?

No when it's having trouble starting nothing happens at all. No turning or anything. It has been suggested by someone that it is perhaps the igniter coils, which sounds reasonable considering the problem (said the starter gets hot and screws w/ the coils). I'm not sure what to look for though.

[erocker]

The gas overflow and the starting problem are two different things. The pump at the gas station is a fault for not shutting off.

As far as your starting problem, you need a new starter. I see it everyday.

[farlex]

The gas overflow and the starting problem are two different things. The pump at the gas station is a fault for not shutting off.

As far as your starting problem, you need a new starter. I see it everyday.

Even though it starts up fine most of the time (as of yet, it's only had trouble twice, and has started without incident about 7 or 8 times during that timespan)? I was hoping that wasn't the case, but if that is I need to get on that.....

[erocker]

Starters are round cylindrical things that go off center. When they go off center sometimes they will spin, sometimes they will sieze. If you find you can't start it, hit the starter (somewhat lightly) with a hammer or something and it should work.

[JC316]

Late to this thread, but it could also be the battery cable that corroded around the terminal. I have seen this many times. If not, then I agree, the starter is where to go after that. My old 98 Saturn had the same problem, but luckily for me, it was a stick shift so I could push start it.

[farlex]

Did a bunch of research and got a manual and attempted to take a stab at doing it myself, but fell short w/o the proper tools. I couldn't see the wires attached to the selenoid b/c they were above the starter in an awkward position. I took it to a mechanic and the replaced the starter while ripping me off. They tried to charge me $500, after telling them that I could buy the starter for a little over $150 they came back and quoted me $300 (w/ labor and such). I'm still not convinced the connections weren't just loose. I need a good mechanic......