Trackpads Community - View Single Post - 90 Buick Century cranks slow, won't start

12-24-2004, 01:00

Svilen Stoicheff wrote:
> My 1990 Buick Century (V-6, 3.3) has been cranking sluggishly lately.
> Most recently it got worse: It turns over a couple of times and stops.
> It's random -- sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn't. But even when
> it starts, the cranking is slower than it used to be. Suspected the
> battery and poor battery-terminal connections at first. Tried 3
> different batteries (one brand new), cleaned the terminals -- same
> problem. My next suspect is the starter -- terminal connections or the
> motor itself. Haven't had much experience with starters -- any piece of
> advice before I crawl under the car?
> Thanks.
> Svilen

I've noticed Chevys, in particular, have very skimpy grounds.
To get maximum current to starter, make sure ground cable goes
directly to block, not to some painted bracket. Add a jumper cable from
frame rail to block. A Ford starter cable has lugs on both ends, and is
my recommendation for a no bull ground.

12-24-2004, 01:00	#3 (permalink)
451ctds Civilians	Re: 90 Buick Century cranks slow, won't start Svilen Stoicheff wrote: > My 1990 Buick Century (V-6, 3.3) has been cranking sluggishly lately. > Most recently it got worse: It turns over a couple of times and stops. > It's random -- sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn't. But even when > it starts, the cranking is slower than it used to be. Suspected the > battery and poor battery-terminal connections at first. Tried 3 > different batteries (one brand new), cleaned the terminals -- same > problem. My next suspect is the starter -- terminal connections or the > motor itself. Haven't had much experience with starters -- any piece of > advice before I crawl under the car? > Thanks. > Svilen I've noticed Chevys, in particular, have very skimpy grounds. To get maximum current to starter, make sure ground cable goes directly to block, not to some painted bracket. Add a jumper cable from frame rail to block. A Ford starter cable has lugs on both ends, and is my recommendation for a no bull ground.