Follow-up to my follow-up

Posted by Mark Buckley On 2011/9/20 13:08:23

Starting about a year ago, I noticed the process of starting the engine was becoming slightly difficult. When I hit the starter button on my 1950 Standard Eight the Delco starter would engage the flywheel for less than a second. Then it would disengage and I'd just hear the starter whirring. I'd let up on the starter button, wait for the whirring to stop, and then repeat. After 2-3 tries the engine would fire up and I'd drive away.

I began to wonder how much time I had before the 'repeat process' would fail. So about four months ago I decided to take pre-emptive action.

I assumed the problem was the starter relay (AKA solenoid, which it really isn't), so I ordered a replacement from Rock Auto:http://info.rockauto.com/SMP/SMPDetail3.html?SS544A.html

When I installed the replacement I made sure to clean every contact as thoroughly as possible. I got them all shiny and bright. But despite the new component, and the cleaning, the problem persisted. Fortunately it never got any worse--but it never got any better.

Never, that is, until I installed the new battery. Since then the 'disengage and whirr" problem has disappeared.

So it's now my belief that the problem was really related to a battery that was in the process of failing.

Has anyone else experienced this situation? Could the 'disengage and whirr" problem be a sign it's time to start thinking about battery replacement?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

All the best,

Mark