starting problem

[ski_doo]

i have a 2001 duramax diesel and sometimes when i start it up the starter motor cluth slips and does not turn over the engine then i turn the key again and it starts right up. i replaced the starter motor and did not cure it is very fustrating because it only does it maybe a couple of times a month then does not do it for ages it seems very random i was thinking it may be a damaged ring gear has anyone had this similar problem ? thanks

[Kawtipping]

If it was a damaged ring gear it would not start by simply turning the key off and back on again.

[ski_doo]

Originally Posted by Kawtipping

If it was a damaged ring gear it would not start by simply turning the key off and back on again.

when i say turn i turn the key off i mean i stop turning it over then turn back and turn it over a second time and the starter motor does not slip the second time it cranks right up.

[Kawtipping]

Right, but if you have a teeth missing off the ring gear, the only way you will ever get it to turn over with the starter would be if you manually rotated the crank to get some teeth that the starter drive can mesh with.

[cpgeneration]

my 2006 with 9500 miles has done the same thing 3 times, chevrolet service says they cannot change the starter until it fails !!!! by then it will take out the ring gear, i was thinking of removing the starter and checking the pinion travel: for the correct setting.

[Tom Horne]

I have a 2005 Duramax in a 3/4 Ton Chevy, 17k miles. Love the truck. Since last summer,6 or 8 times now I have had just a grind when I tried to start, as if the pinion is not being driven into engagement with the ring gear. I get off the start switch, wait a few seconds and then engage again and it starts without a hitch. Last Monday it happened again and this time repeatedly. I had a tow truck driver on the phone and tried it one more time, of course it started without a hitch. Going into the shop Monday 1/22/07. I will report the findings.

Any ideas or similar problems, I see three similar on this forum?

Tom Horne

[Tom Horne]

Took truck to the Shop. They could not duplicate the problem. Told me the same stuff about not being able to investigate further under Warrenty. After a discussion, we all arrived at the same unspoken conclusion: I would have to grind the starter till failure next time this happened in order to get this problem addressed. This kind of mechanical abuse put us all off and they agreed to pull the starter and investigate further. They could see a chewed up starter pinion and two or three teeth on the ring gear ground to 50%. Replaced starter and ring gear. Recommend a discussion with the service guys regarding this problem and they may do the same for you. They could not duplicate the problem since it is kind of like Russian Roulette. The engine stops in 4 small regions of the ring gear due to compression, so you have a 1 in 4 chance of being in the right region, and probably another 1 in 3 or 4 chance of being on the right tooth. Even then, the pinion will sometimes engage and give you a good start. But sometimes it will not, for several tries. I am now a happy camper. Give me a call if you are in eastern Washington and have a Duramax problem 509-448-8108

[Duramaxedout]

I have a 2002 duramax and sometimes the engine will not start. I turn the key and the engine turns over normally but it will not start, I have to let it sit for about ten to fifteen mins and whola it starts up like normal, this happens every couple of weeks but when i get it started to get it to the dealer it works all the time.
CAn some any one tell me if they have exprianced this and or what it might be.
Like tom I love this truck but this is really wearing me low.
Tahnks..

[burnhgw]

I have similar problem with inconsistant start up on my 03 Duramax (85K Miles). The dealer has changed the batteries and glow plug driver ($700 bill - ouch) with no resolution. I change the fuel filter every other oil chage. The last filter change seemed to cure the problem for about six weeks, then the reluctant beast returned to its old habits. I try priming the filter, cycling the glow plugs each attempt, and ambient weather conditions don't seem to a part of the problem, except when it is above 100 degrees F. and I have been towing. I am afraid that the starter motor will wear out before this can be fixed. Any suggestions on where to look for air leaks, etc.

[05duramaxowner]

i have a 05 duramax and yesterday i tried to crank it and all i got was a click.. its not the battery.. never had a problem cranking till now.. what do you think it is????