A leaking cylinder block will destroy the starter by saturating it with oil. In most cases, the starter is located in the engine underneath the left bank of cylinders. Collins Auto Care is the best auto shop in Houston, and we would be happy to replace your starter if it is saturated with motor oil. We can also replace it if it goes bad, which can happen at around 100,000 miles. If you have any of the problems listed below, it’s time to replace the starter in your engine.
Noises Before Ignition
The starter does two things to get your engine started. It turns the engine over for the intake of air and fuel and sends electricity to the spark plugs through their wires. If it is struggling to do this, you may hear clicking or whirring before your engine ignites. Sometimes, you will only get this warning one time, so it’s critical that you drive straight to our shop if the engine starts after making these noises.
The Engine Won’t Start
The next time you start your automobile it may not start at all. You may also end up with a dead engine that does not warn you by making the noises discussed above. Consequently, if the starter motor has died, your engine is not going to start no matter how hard you try. This is because there is no air and fuel in the combustion chamber and the spark plugs are unable to generate sparks.
The Lights Are Working
You can check to see if the dead engine is being caused by the starter by taking a moment to look at your lights. If the interior lights, headlights, and taillights are working and shining at their normal brightness, your engine is most likely dead because of the starter. The working lights prove that the battery and alternator are producing electricity and sending that electricity to the lights.
Burning Odors/Smoke
Finally, we mentioned above that your engine is not going to start despite your best efforts. If you keep trying to fire up the dead engine, you may start to see smoke coming out from underneath the hood. You may also start to smell hot odors. Continually cranking the engine will overheat the starter motor and cause this problem. This doesn’t do your vehicle any good.
Collins Auto Care in Houston, TX, is here to help, so call us today to schedule a service visit for your vehicle if you would like us to test the starter.
