Starter or something else?

[boxile]

Been having starting issues for the past week or so. Sometimes it starts up fine, being hot or cold doesn't seem to affect it. When it misbehaves, 2 possibilities:

Starts up, then a loud grind for a moment, as if the ignition had been turned twice.
-OR-
Rough start up, van shakes, warning lights go crazy for a moment, then settles down and idles normally.

starter

As a novice, what I've read suggests replace the starter. Does that seem correct or is there anything else I should check as well?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/che ... motor,4152

What is the opinion on remanufactured vs new parts? My reading also suggests that I'd want to stick with ACDelco parts whenever possible?

[Astro Pop]

Definitely sounds like electrical issue. With gages & lights going bonkers, it may not be starter. Could be in the solenoid ? Last starter problem I had was the little wire going to the solenoid was loose. Pulled the starter down, recrimped the wire and tightened it on the post and all was good. Sometimes lucky is better than good. All that said with the starter sounding like it's hanging up (grinding) the solenoid is hanging on too long and not releasing right away.

[TurnNburn]

the first problem sounds like a starter issue. I have never heard of a starter causing drivability problems before so you might have something else going on for problem number 2

acdelco is the preferred, but its all made in china now, so who really cares

always buy new. those infants rebuilding stuff over in basements in china cant get the torque spec right

[tungtide]

new starter, not that expensive and they are a wear part. Plus they never go out in the shop/driveway. Even if its just the solenoid I would replace it all. I have a shop in west Virginia that rebuilds all my tractor starters, however with an astro I would just go to local parts house and get new. my 2 cents.

[Big_kid]

Starts up, then a loud grind for a moment, as if the ignition had been turned twice.

Anybody else thinking flaky ignition switch? Loose/worn wiper/contacts?

Rough start up, van shakes, warning lights go crazy for a moment, then settles down and idles normally.

Wiper/contacts not aligning correctly at first?

I agree with not replacing a starter solenoid by itself. I've done this in my past, and always ended up replacing the starter assembly in time.

[boxile]

flaky ignition switch? Loose/worn wiper/contacts?
Wiper/contacts not aligning correctly at first?

How can I check this?

[Big_kid]

You'll have to find which wires are powered in the "on" position and check them out. I'd find an old analog needle style meter and read voltage while playing with the key. There should be definite on and off positions, if the position varies that's a problem. I suggest an analog meter because you'll see any quick dips or irregularities in the voltage, whereas a digital meter will likely gloss over them. If you can't get an analog meter, a test light can help. It doesn't have to be a specific "test light", any small 12 volt incandescent bulb is better than nothing. If it flickers or dims when it shouldn't that indicates a dip/drop/open circuit.

[markmitch]

check out the wiring going to the starter, the battery cables all negative/ground wiring in the ignition system. check the wiring harness under the dash that attaches to the steering column too. I replaced the battery cable and the power wires going to the started when I had similar problems with my 89 Astro. look up in this site about the big 3 swap.

[AstroWill]

Have you had your battery tested?

[boxile]

Have you had your battery tested?

No but that is my plan before I order a starter from rockauto.

Also side terminals are weird, my first gm

an analog meter

I happen to have one of these!

wiring going to the starter

I was also going to look at this, because there is some rust on the starter itself and on nearby surfaces