We hate to say it here at Anderson Automotive, but if there is oil all over your starter, you have a serious engine problem. This can be a sign that there is a crack in the head gasket in the engine. In order to repair the crack, the head gasket must be replaced. In order to replace the head gasket, the engine must be partially rebuilt. An oil-soaked starter can die prematurely. As such, we are going to list the signs of a dying starter below so you know what you should look for in your automobile.
Noises Before Ignition
You may already know this. If the starter is going bad, it is prone to make noise when you start your engine. This noise occurs prior to the engine’s ignition. A starter that is having problems may click or whir before the engine starts. If you hear this noise yet the engine fires up, drive straight to our shop because you may not receive another warning after this one.
Hard Starts or No Starts
What we mean by this is that your engine will be difficult to start or won’t start at all the next time you try to fire it up. This can be a sign that the starter is no longer working. Without the starter, the engine cannot bring in the fuel and air that it needs to produce combustion. Consequently, you will be stranded with an engine that you cannot start. Play it safe and have the starter checked if it gives you the warning discussed above. Don’t take chances and ignore the warning.
Working Vehicle Lights
It’s only natural to believe that you have a dead battery if the engine refuses to start. There is a way that you can tell whether the problem is the starter or the problem is the battery. To check the battery, look at your lights to see if they are working. Turn on the headlights, too, to make sure they illuminate. If everything is as bright as it usually is, your car’s battery is just fine. It is likely that the car won’t start because you have a dead starter underneath the hood.
Burning Odors and Smoke
The thing that will clue you into the fact that it is the starter is hot odors in the engine. These odors may also be accompanied by smoke. This is a sign that you have tried to start your automobile too many times. Consequently, the starter motor is too hot.
Anderson Automotive in Marion, IA, would be happy to assist you, so call us today for a service visit.