i have a 1997 sts with just 90k. i have burned through 6 starters in 8 months. does anybody have a clue as to why? i am using delco starters.

i hope they are all under warranty.

i say check your connections. IF there is a resistance on any of the connections,
the voltage will drop and the amps will go up in the armature overheating it.

the same thing can happen at home with the fridge compressor, drop yoru lien voltage
and watch the motor burn out.

the same applies if your battery is not putting out full voltage.
check the voltage at the starter connection.

put the leads from a good and accurate Volt-meter from the heavy wire at the starte
to the bell housing and report back?

i would expect greater than 13.6 vdc and 14+ something would be really nice.

if that checks out OK, then we can go from there ....

another thing, how long does it crack to start?
cranks fast? cranks slow?

long crank, sometimes it takes so long that it backfires

i bet there is your problem. they are not designed to run and run and run.
starters are designed to deliver a massive jolting punch, not to a run an endurance race.
they are probably getting overheated.

i be looking as to why the engine doesnt start in the 1st two seconds of cranking.
all my engines, most over 20 years old, start with a touch of the ignition, in less time
than it takes you to say "one thousand".

there is no reason that a '97 should do a longggggggggg crank unless something is wrong.
- fuel pump / fuel pressure
- timing
- ignition components: coils, spark plugs, primary wires, distributor, etc



ORIGINAL: blackgoldsts

long crank, sometimes it takes so long that it backfires

Great advise!

Start with the obvious extra wear and tear overcranking issue.

I have seen many electrical problemscaused bya bad battery to engine ground cable and/or connection.