Starting Problem After Radiator Repair

[screenwright]

This is one of those things that doesn't add up in my mind, but I wanted to see if others had any ideas.

I have a '99 V6 3.3L Flex fuel Grand Caravan. Just had water pump, radiator and thermostat professionally replaced. (Nearly $800 repair.) Drove the car thirty minutes after leaving the shop and it wouldn't start. (Instruments power up, but it won't turn over.)

Had it towed to the shop and left overnight. (Tow truck driver thought it was starter relay.) Went back to garage in the morning and they say it starts, no problem; battery tested fine. They started it 10 times fine. I said "let me drive it 30 minutes and I'll bring it back". I did, and when it got back to the shop, it wouldn't start again. (Left overnight, it will probably work again in the morning.)

I had no problems with starter or anything else before this repair. Water pump and radiator were preventive repairs. Garage wants to try and replace the starter.

Any other ideas what could be the problem?

Thanks.

[vipergg]

like you said it wasn't a problem before its not the starter ,something else going on . I would start looking for loose connections on the battery and starter , make sure the battery is good have it load tested . the next time it happens try starting it in neutral and see if it will kick over...

[00molavi]

Check the ground connection too.

[wangus]

the starter is right behind the radiator....it may have had the solenoid damaged during the all the work...could cause this problem once it heats up. i wouldn't rule out the starter....

[77Utiline]

more specifically the solenoid on the starter.

[catfish10101]

I agree with vipergg, Iwould first make sure all connections on the battery, starter, and grounds are clean and tight before spending the dough on a starter.