Crank/Starter problem

[jrice612]

I've been searching the forums for about an hour and haven't found a scenario quite like mine.

My aunt drove her '95 ATX to Pizza Hut, picked up her order, car wouldn't start. The starter would click to engage, but not crank. Battery looked bad, replaced it under warranty.

New battery, car still won't start - but starter manages to crank about a quarter of a turn before clicking again and achieving no more progress.

Towed to my garage. Jacked up, positive and ground connections on starter are clean and secure.

I'm at a loss because of how it starts to crank, but stops. It almost makes me think blown headgasket with coolant in a cylinder?

It's not possible for the starter to get weak, is it? I've always experienced the starter just failing...not a gradual process.

Since it's not fully cranking, it can't be the crank position sensor, right? My understanding is that the CPS would allow the car to crank, but not fire.

Suggestions? Questions? Let me have it!
JRice

 

[jmpSHO]

If it's a new starter I would definately return it and try another one just eliminate that as a problem.

 

[jrice612]

Starter is not new. I have neither removed nor replaced the starter because of how it starts to crank, but then stops.

Is it possible for a starter to turn a quarter-turn and then stop...and it's a faulty starter?

 

[jmpSHO]

A starter going bad will crank slow. Just double check and make sure all connections are tight and clean and also make sure your battery is fully charged. I know it's new but check anyways.

 

[Hap3niz]

i kinda have a problem like this
my car will crank.. just wont turn over.
turns out sometimes my fuel pump wont turn on when i turn my key.. but once i hear it turn on, my car turns over.. noo idea what causes this for me..
i do think i have a cracked head.. so maybe it messes with it..
maybe something else to look at?