Saturday, May 17, 2025

Step 1

It turned out there was an auto parts store an easy walk away, and they had a selection of starters in stock.

I’ve watched  videos about changing the starter on a Chevrolet Express. It's not difficult. The starter even came with instructions.  I’ll crawl under the Rolling Steel Tent tomorrow to see if it’s possible for me to do the swap without jack stands. I would still need a torque wrench to do the job properly.

If I have a mechanic do it, at least I’ve saved him the time of getting the starter and saved myself his mark-up. I’ll also save myself from getting grimy and maybe scraping a knuckle or two.

8 comments:

  1. AI Overview


    +7
    A failing starter relay in a Chevy van can prevent the engine from turning over, resulting in the "no crank, no start" issue. This is because the relay is responsible for switching high current from the battery to the starter motor. If the relay doesn't engage, the starter doesn'treceive the necessary power.

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    1. Today I tried changing the relay. That wasn't the problem.

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  2. Years ago, I was a bookkeeper at an auto body shop. A customer asked if he could bring his own parts to be installed. The shop owner asked the customer what he did and he replied he owned a restaurant. My employer then asked if he could bring his own hamburger for the guy to cook.
    Linda Sand

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    Replies
    1. Whereas I used a mechanic in the past who advised me to get the parts myself.

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    2. LOL .... that's good Linda Sand. Yet I was not told that one time all those times I had my part in hand and just needed them to do the labor and get dirty

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  3. I'm w Linda on this one. Most mechanics count on a portion of profits coming from parts markup. Of course, it doesn't hurt to ask.

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    Replies
    1. Today's mechanic asked whether I already had the starter. He was glad I did, because it simplified things and made it easier to fit me in. If he had had a problem with me buying the parts I would have paid him his profit.

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    2. Some things are just meant to be!

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