Also clean and tighten the G3 transmission ground connections. G3 grounds the starter.

 

Have someone tap on the starter motor while you are cranking if it happens again. Solenoid on the motor may be sticking due to corrosion or wear....

 

any smoke while the engine turns over? this may be worst case scenario, but what condition is your engine in? anyone else think it could be a lack of compression?

 

RONJ and MAACH, I'll do the tap and check the G3 ground too. I'm gonna look up info on the G3 location right now.

MBRENT, the car runs great with no smoke. Runs good on the e-way too for a 93. I've already had the typical Civic high mileage problems (coil and igniter) and replaced them a year ago. The compression I haven't thought of... yet.

 

Isn't testing the starter solenoid part of testing the starter? Or do auto parts stores only test the starter motor?

 

I'm not sure, man. I guess doing the tap couldn't hurt?

The G3 transmission ground.. wire coming off the transmission? I've never checked it before.

 

Manual or auto transmission?

Manual:

 

Manual.

 

See my previous post.

 

Solenoid being hanged due to corrosion or wear can only be visible with disassembly of the solenoid. That plunger on solenoid can change in position within the solenoid assembly while transporting and work as nothing wrong there. I had such starter motor once.

I generally don't trust tests conducted by a parts store. Or even a shop specializing repair of such components,,,,.

I had one alternator repaired and tested by one of shops. Paid for it only to find out that alternator didn't work on the engine. Got new alternator to replace repaired unit and it worked fine.