91' Chevy Astro Wont start up.

[JMac101]

Hey guys.
A buddy of mine has a 91' Chevy astro van. He has owned it for about 3 years and even though it is old has had no major problems.
The other day he drove home, parked it, turned it off. When he got back in and tried to start it up, his van wont run.
We tried jump starting it. We tried replacing the battery.
You get the ugh ugh ugh sound like it wants to turn over but either has no spark or the altenator is bad.
Im not sure what it is could even be the starter. I tried tapping the starter, replacing the battery. What gives?
Any advice?
Thanks guys

 

[JMac101]

Also if we try cranking it about 5 times or so, maybe about 2 times out of the 5 we hear a grinding/buzzing noise which leads me to think the starter is bad. He just does not have the money to do trial and error. Thanks

 

[J_Sap]

Many auto stores like AutoZone will test starters for free. Your friend could remove the starter and take it to a store to get it tested and see if it works or not.

 

[MarkM66]

I agree, remove the starter and have it tested.

 

[JMac101]

anyone think it could be the altenator?
I cant find the starter on his van because it is ancient lol.
His headlights work, When you tun the key it cranks, just replaced battery it just wont turn over. He says he drove it parked it and as soon as he tried to restart it no go. It does crank normally like it wants to turn over, the headlights are bright but dim as your cranking.
It could be either or, starter or sltenator but Im really hoping it is the altenator because I have to help him fix it. LOL.
Would the headlights even work while the car was off if the altenator was bad?

 

[mpvue]

Originally Posted By: JMac101

I cant find the starter on his van because it is ancient lol.

the starter is the easiest to find on there. passenger side, underneath, next to the engine. you might not even need to jack it up to get to it, easy swap.

 

[JMac101]

ok thanks. But if the van is making cranking sounds as normal but not turning over I would think the starter is ok. Im leaning towards the altanator because it wont turn over. Am I way off on this one?

 

[crw]

Replacing a starter on that type of Chevy is a once every three years activity anyway... lol. I know.

Anyway, there are some confusing statements here. "Cranking sounds as normal", to me that is the same as "turning over". If the starter is turning as normal, I'd doubt it's the starter. On the other hand if it is turning very slowly, it's the starter. If it just spins, it's the solenoid and/or starter.

Correct me if I'm wrong, the the alternator does not come into play until the engine is running? The alternator doesn't help/hinder the starting of the engine, except that once running the alternator maintains the battery charge.

The starter is very easy to replace. Get under the vehicle, there are two bolts and the electrical connections. That's it. Disconnect the battery first.

 

[J_Sap]

Auto parts stores will test an alternator for free as well. You could bring both to be tested to make it easy.

I would think the starter would be the culprit before the alternator but the alternator is easy to take out compared to the starter.

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: J_Sap
Auto parts stores will test an alternator for free as well. You could bring both to be tested to make it easy.

I would think the starter would be the culprit before the alternator but the alternator is easy to take out compared to the starter.


Not sure I'd say easier if I recall correctly. Have done both and I think the alternator is a bit of a pain and you can get under an Astro with no jack, starter isn't bad.

Either way, if you tried boosting and a new battery I wouldn't waste time on the alternator! If this is the case, not sure what engine code is in a 91 but my 96 had a Z engine I think it was and required a certain fuel pressure to start. Pump can be weak, still runs but doesn't deliver enough pressure. Everything seems fine, just wont start. But I would agree with those above, get the starter tested first.

 

[mechtech2]

If it cranks over, spins, that part is good.

What does "want to turn over" mean?
Want to turn? Want to start?

Spray starting fluid in the intake and see if she pops and starts momentarily. This will tell if it is lack of fuel fuel related.

 

[paulo57509]

My guess is ignition.

Pull the engine cover so you can get to the distributor. Pull the distributor cap and take a look inside. You'll most likely see a lot of green corrosion or a burnt rotor. Lack of ventilation inside the distributor causes the corrosion.

Replace both the cap and rotor. Before you button it up, locate the vent hole(s) in the distributor plate and remove the screen(s) covering the holes.

I've owned a '98 Astro and still own a '03 Safari where this happened to both.

 

[MarkM66]

No offense, but if you can't find the starter, you two may want to ask around for someone with a little more experience with working on cars.

Forums like these can only give you so much help with the lack of information you're providing.

IE, does the starter turn the engine or not? That's pretty self explanatory.

Always start with the basics before you remove anything; fuel? spark?

 

[cp3]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
If it cranks over, spins, that part is good.

What does "want to turn over" mean?
Want to turn? Want to start?


ok, thought it was just me that was having trouble following what was going on!