Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

There was an Episode of CAR Talk (on NPR) that covered this exact scenario, but for the life of me, I can't remember what the cause was. I will see if I can find it.

Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

Thanks all. It was the starter motor.

$250 sticker shock.

Back in the 70's I seem to recall I could buy a starter motor for 25 bucks and put it in myself in half an hour. If I had extra time I'd just buy new brushes, open up the motor, clean it out, and install the brushes. Maybe $10?

Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

I just fixed a similar issue on my 2005 Legacy GT (seems to be pretty common). My solution was to remove the starter motor, clean the starter bendix shaft and gear with brake cleaner, and apply some wheel bearing grease to the shaft and work it under the gear that rides on the shaft. It has solved the issue for me. Next course of action is the replacement contacts for the motor.

I found a great deal at $60 for huge assortment (I'm searching my history to find this link as we speak, but no luck so far...).

Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

Yup. That was then, this is now. In 1971 you could buy a gallon of premium gasoline for all of 32.9 cents too. Now it is ten times as much, as is your starter...

Oh, and with 158k, I was going to say that the starter itself has seen a lot of time and may be the cause. Not so heroic to say that now though...

Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

The starter went out on my 86 S-10. $4.00 worth of brushes fixed it.
About 4 hrs to drop the cross member & get the starter in & out though.

Re: need help from auto mechanic
 

Finally found the starter contacts... http://www.sherco-auto.com/opk7.htm#SBA3000S

It's a 60 piece assortment that should cover most Denso motors.