Hi All,

I'm wondering if any of those of you who live in cold climates have experienced an issue with the starter disengaging in cold temperatures? When I go to start my van (after warming the coil of course) the starter gear teeth don't seem to mesh with the engine at first. I get a harsh gear teeth grinding sound, and the engine doesn't turn over at all. Usually after 3 or 4 attempts, the starter seems to grab on and it starts normally. This problem only seems to happen when the temperature is cold, and the van isn't still warm from driving.

Anyone have any idea on what might be causing that, or what I might do?

Cheers,
Kelly

Problem is caused probably by starter solenoid or starter gear teeth. Solenoid pushes gear too lazy or gear teeth have been worn out.
Because in the end you engine starts I'd suspect solenoid. After 3-4 starts it heats up and starts to work normal speed.

There might be some kind of connection problem and using WD-40/Crc or sth might help.
Also inside solenoid where magnetizing parts glide.

I haven't face problem described by you in a car/van but in a tractor. That time whole start motor was changed.

Hi All,

I just wanted to follow up on this lead now that I've got the starter back in new condition.

Thanks RNS for the advice, which allowed me to get going.

I found the following pdf quite useful to help me diagnose the problem fully.
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h7.pdf

My problem ended up being a combination of slightly worn contacts for the pull in coil, as well as a slightly worn 1 way clutch arrangement, which allowed the starter to slip when the temperature was cold and the oil was viscous.

I got the starter motor rebuilt at a starter and alternator shop in Dartmouth, and it was quite a cheap job - about $80. Here in Canada they don't have the Hiace van so the starter motor rebuild kit wasn't available through the regular channels, but as it turns out the contacts and clutch parts were so easy for them to find that they had off the shelf replacements available.

For all those wondering if they should take it on themselves, it was quite an easy job removing the starter motor once you get to it. There are 3 bolts holding the starter motor in place. You'll need to remove 3 skid plates from the underside of the van and access it from there, but since it is so easy I'd recommend also removing the passenger (left) seat as well which gives you very easy access to the main terminal bolt. It's quite rewarding for an amateur mechanic to turn the key after putting it all back together and having it fire up perfectly!

Thanks everyone for the help - this forum really makes it possible for newbie mechanics like me to have cool and unique vans like the Hiace.