Starter / Cranking Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 14
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Starter / Cranking Problem
I am restoring a 1978 with a L82. The Engine wiring harness was bad. I replaced the engine wiring harness and the engine/starter solenoid wiring harness. I also purchased a new battery. The starter just clicks, however if I jump terminals on the starter the car cranks. Also if I run a 12 v remote starter switch from the battery to the purple wire terminal on the solenoid the car cranks. The purple wire has voltage when trying to crank the car. I had the starter tested and it's fine. What am I missing?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 14
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Test light is bright. I have 12 volts at the purple wire. I am now wondering if the starter is bad even though it tested good. When they tested it it's not under load so maybe its bad. If I jump the terminals on the solenoid the car will crank but the starter drags really bad.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 14
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I used a 12v lighted circuit tester on the purple wire first. I had my wife turn the key and the tester lights up. I can post a picture this evening. I also used a fluke meter. I removed the ground from the battery to the chassis and cleaned it and chassis good. I also cleaned the connection point for the black wire in the solenoid harness. The engine and solenoid harness are new. Is there another ground that I should check?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 334
Likes: 6
There are some ground cables to check, including those at the starter terminal, starter to engine, battery to frame. My memory is a bit fuzzy so if somebody doesn't chime in I'll check my Assembly Manual when I can get to it.
There was a thread a while back that had some good descriptions, I'll see if I can find it. The fact that your starter "drags" suggests to me (if battery and starter good) it'd be a good idea to rule out any grounding issues as a potential problem.
There was a thread a while back that had some good descriptions, I'll see if I can find it. The fact that your starter "drags" suggests to me (if battery and starter good) it'd be a good idea to rule out any grounding issues as a potential problem.
Last edited by C3Hawk; Dec 9, 2014 at 01:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 38
Likes: 14
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Well after all the fussing, cussing and temper tantrums - It was the starter. I bought a new starter today, installed it and the car is cranking with no problems. I had the starter tested yesterday and they said it was good, but I guess under a load it wasn't. Thanks for all the replies.
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