my car overheated a bit the other day because of a cracked radiator. I parked it the minute I noticed the temp. I got the car to work and let it cool. Filled what I could of the radiator, and tried to start it...no go. I start panicking a bit about heat damage, but then I try to push start it and it runs fine.

I've replaced the radiator and the starter already, but when I try to start it via the key, it just throws sparks on the valve cover. When started via push start, it runs great (only driven around the block).

Any ideas?

EDIT: It was a spark wire that got partially melted

 

check that you have no exposed wires something isn't supposed to be touching something here.

 

check to make sure everything that hooks up to the starter is hooked up right.

 

As mentioned, check wiring and connections.

You will have to explain exactly what you mean by, "it just throws sparks on the valve cover"????

I assume the engine is not cranking, [starter not working] as you can bump start, [push start] the car and get it running.

As the "sparks" only happen when trying to start the engine it must be starter related, or starter wiring related and there are only two(2) leads related to the starter, batt. power, [thick lead from batt.] and exciter, [starter] lead, [thinner lead from starter relay or Automatic Gear Position Switch].

I would also check your main grounds, [pay close attention to the chassis to engine ground]. 94

 

if a ground wire is loose it could be trying to ground through the valve cover ground

 

lets just say I'm an idiot. I had checked the spark wires, but hadn't seen anything that looked abnormal.

I couldn't think of anything else it could be though since I hadn't made any changes to anything else on the car beside some motor mounts recently (but I'd driven the car ~200 miles since then. I had already replaced the starter, and it started fine... once. Then I gave up on it for a week or so (I ride a bike pretty much everywhere).

Took a closer look at the spark wires this weekend and there was a slight discoloration on number 3. Replaced wire, car works great.

It must have touched the valve cover when it overheated. They were a little loose fitting in the "cradle".

Lesson learned.