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98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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trez260
New User
Nov 16, 2014, 6:45 AM
Post #1 of 9
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98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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my 98 cavalier is having the same issue where it will not start. it turns very slowly and occasionally stutters as if it wants to start, but it doesn't start.
base model, 2.2L engine, 225K miles
recent issues:
first the belt broke, replace belt and idle pulley
then it ran hot from lack of coolant, refilled coolant, replaced thermostat.
since then i noticed it cranks very slow, i thought it was battery, replaced battery and it still cranks slow and not starting.
not sure where to look next. starter?
i'd appreciate all suggestions.
thank you.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 16, 2014, 7:21 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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OK - it happened and suks of course. It really should be cranking at a normal speed if even new battery is fully charged (they are NOT when new most of the time) and the engine isn't tight for other reasons. Check oil now at least for level and any contamination visually.
This I would jump start and you need good cable or a good jumper box with strong clamps for GM side posts.
At least see if that gets it to crank at a normal feel. If it hasn't run at all to warm up you are NOT done even if nothing more is wrong the coolant about can't be known full yet. Oil should be changed.
Overheats are just plain hard to a disaster but begin with just getting to crank at a normal speed. Fairly easy to just watch voltage drop from exactly the battery post bolts while cranking and note how low it dips while cranking. It may be too low (say below 9v seen) to really crank up enough and all other needed functions aren't getting proper power either.
Start there. Then if you are lucks move on to see what else if anything is in trouble,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 16, 2014, 7:23 AM
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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If you actually upgraded the battery to a good battery with more than the minimum capacity and it still won't crank properly, then you may have a cable or starter issue.Checl all your cable connections first.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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trez260
New User
Nov 16, 2014, 7:29 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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oil was changed about 2 months ago.
it was a lil low but still had color when i checked it last (after the belt broke).
it ran fine (except for running hot) up until i parked it to let it cool so i could change the thermostat.
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trez260
New User
Nov 16, 2014, 7:30 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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i'll check cables and then pursue the starter. is that a condition they would see if they test the starter at the parts store?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Nov 16, 2014, 7:33 AM
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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No, they can't test the starter under load when it's out of the car. There is always the possibility that you have done serious damage to the engine internally by overheating it. You might want to try cranking it with a wrench to see if the motor turns freely.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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trez260
New User
Nov 16, 2014, 7:35 AM
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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ok. in order to turn it with a wrench, where do i place the wrench to turn it?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Nov 16, 2014, 7:52 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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Center bolt on the crankshaft pulley.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Nov 16, 2014, 7:54 AM
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Re: 98 chevy cavalier, slow crank won't start
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All of this before blaming any ONE thing yet. Engine very well could be sticky from overheating. Starter and other battery probably did lose charge with missing belt and trying to start it later and other drains on battery just to do what you've done with door open perhaps etc.
Known good (hard to know new sometimes) battery, fully charged and correct rating for the car with a slow cranking engine if I'm reading into this properly is struggling to turn the engine too tight which could show as an excessive voltage drop as mentioned. Doesn't end there just tells you that is a problem and move on to know why it's drawing so much to crank. I say just know that much early on because at the miles you may be making some tough choices about this engine and car as a whole not yet known so begin with cheap and easy for now is what I suggest.
I can't know how hard an overheat you had and you might not either but coolant about empty was a strong clue it was severe,
T
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