99 DS Starting issue

[villebacker]

For what it's worth my 93 DS with FE290 has always had the hesitation in the starter when it hits the compression stroke. I have replaced brushes a couple of times, checked all grounds, tried two batteries in parallel, ran 4 gauge jumper cables directly from battery to starter, overhauled engine a couple of times and have never been able to resolve the hesitation. I believe the starter is a little on the weak side for the compression. It seems like it needs a built in compression release like some engines have to let it start spinning faster sooner. I have been tempted to try a starter from a cart with the FE350 engine to see if it solved the problem.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by villebacker

For what it's worth my 93 DS with FE290 has always had the hesitation in the starter when it hits the compression stroke. I have replaced brushes a couple of times, checked all grounds, tried two batteries in parallel, ran 4 gauge jumper cables directly from battery to starter, overhauled engine a couple of times and have never been able to resolve the hesitation. I believe the starter is a little on the weak side for the compression. It seems like it needs a built in compression release like some engines have to let it start spinning faster sooner. I have been tempted to try a starter from a cart with the FE350 engine to see if it solved the problem.

I'm glad you said it, at least somebody has been through what I have with this issue. Not claiming to be an expert but once was responsible for a small fleet of these things, and I have owned several. Usually it is just aggravating and you get used to it. Sometimes it seems no matter what you do it won't go away or recurs. Some in here don't agree with me with the position of the piston when it stops so I stopped talking about it. But I have found most often a new, strong battery is the best fix. (Although not in every case of course)

[bryanrexford]

Originally Posted by villebacker

For what it's worth my 93 DS with FE290 has always had the hesitation in the starter when it hits the compression stroke. I have replaced brushes a couple of times, checked all grounds, tried two batteries in parallel, ran 4 gauge jumper cables directly from battery to starter, overhauled engine a couple of times and have never been able to resolve the hesitation. I believe the starter is a little on the weak side for the compression. It seems like it needs a built in compression release like some engines have to let it start spinning faster sooner. I have been tempted to try a starter from a cart with the FE350 engine to see if it solved the problem.

OK. I didn't realize it was a common issue. It's nothing like it was after, but it still seems weak to me. Just how they are I guess.

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[bryanrexford]

Originally Posted by Mooncarter

I'm glad you said it, at least somebody has been through what I have with this issue. Not claiming to be an expert but once was responsible for a small fleet of these things, and I have owned several. Usually it is just aggravating and you get used to it. Sometimes it seems no matter what you do it won't go away or recurs. Some in here don't agree with me with the position of the piston when it stops so I stopped talking about it. But I have found most often a new, strong battery is the best fix. (Although not in every case of course)

Interesting... the new battery was just the "best value" that battery source had. Met the specs so I didn't think much of it. I wonder if a high quality battery would have been the way to go.
I had a Trans Am for many years that was always a weak start and after going through a few batteries I bought a deep cycle optima. Never bothered again. Maybe that's the answer for this issue?

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[Mooncarter]

That's what I would do.