Starting trouble, and cutting out when driving

[dspecv]

I have a 91 GSX, with a 3in turbo back as the only mod so far. I just replaced the starter last weekend, and it was starting fine. Now, when I try to start it makes a really fast clicking sound, but will still start. I've had the alternator and battery tested, and they were tested as working good. The connections are strong, so I'm not sure what the problem is unless the starter itself is bad already, it was new when purchased.

Also, when driving the car if I get on it a little (not full throttle) it starts to cut out on me. It's not fuel cut b/c I've hit that before and it's like hitting a wall, but it's more minor. When that happens my stereo cuts in and out and my CEL comes on right after. I'm thinking possibly the fuel filter or injectors, but wondering if anyone else has experienced this as well.

Last question, I have a light on the dash that comes on sometimes, and I have no idea what it is for since I don't have my manual. It's on the left side of the steering wheel, but it's the one on the far right out of the ones on the left. It almost looks like a carosel, or something like that. Does anyone know what that is?

 

[turbotsi92]

The little light is your antifreeze light, it means it is low, and if you car cel comes on and there is a clicking sound, then you car stalls, and it will not start, just set there for a few minutes, and don't even try to start it. then it will start, and if this is the case, your ecu is bad. Mine did this and it really sucks, it would just shut off while i was driving, and i would have to set in the road for 5 or 6 minutes till it would start again.

 

[ddavisaf]

You might want to pull the ECU and check the caps very soon.

 

[halligoo]

Is your battery strapped down properly? For some reason that seems to be a big issue lately and causing similar problems.

 

[dspecv]

The battery is strapped down solid, but I'll double check again to be sure. The car doesn't actually shut down completely, it just stalls briefly and comes back.

The clicking sound is when it's trying to start. It doesn't turn slow, it just clicks while it's starting. Could it be the gear on the tranny that the starter goes into possibly? Or maybe the alternator? I will also check the ECU as well.

 

[ddavisaf]

Could be a misaligned starter. Could be a worn flywheel. Could be a bad starter gear.

 

[turbotsi92]

Does the clicking sound come from behind your stereo, or out in the engine bay? If inside I would say ECU for sure. If in the engine bay the other things suggested sound like good possiblities.

 

[dspecv]

The sound is coming from the engine bay definately. It's strange because I replaced the starter, and it was good for about a week, then it started making this noise. I may have to take the starter out again and go have it tested. Thanks for the help!

 

[ddavisaf]

If you do remove the starter, mark your flywheel, then rotate it fully and inspect the teeth. Look for teeth that are chewed up and worn down.

 

[dspecv]

Just to update this one, it ended up being my battery. I had a loose connection that wasn't directly at the terminal. I got that tightened up and all is well again. Now I'm back to just fighting the idle surge beast.....

 

[Jackson]

idle surge, tighten the air bypass screw on your throttle body. If you need to know where it is, go to
http://members.shaw.ca/dsm.1000q/Engineprimer/

gl with it.