Another Starter problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: New Fairfield CT
Another Starter problem
Hey, I got a strange starter problem. here it is. On the turn of the key, the solonoid checks but the starter does not engage. This does not happen at any particular time, engine cold, engine hot, sometimes days go by and it works fine. I added a new ground from frame and a heat shield, starter is a rebuild and battery is new. Any ideas Guys? :chevy
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Re: Another Starter problem (71stockray)
Make sure all your electrical connections are clean and tight - including the battery terminals, ground from battery to frame, battery power on the solenoid itself. The connections should be shiny so use sandpaper or a file to get them that way.
I did all the above and a new battery, rebuilt starter, heat sheild and I still had problems like you describe. Turns out the smaller wire going to the starter solenoid from my key switch had some bad connections and therefore the solenoid wasn't getting enough juice to fully engage. This wire goes through the clutch switch and another connector in the engine compartment (at least on my 77 it does). I also added in a secret kill switch in this path. I took the kill switch and clutch switch out of the path and cleaned all the rust off the connector. Haven't had a problem ever snce. Good luck let us know what you find!
Oh and one more thing - it might be your key switch?
[Modified by Boofers, 12:02 PM 8/22/2003]
I did all the above and a new battery, rebuilt starter, heat sheild and I still had problems like you describe. Turns out the smaller wire going to the starter solenoid from my key switch had some bad connections and therefore the solenoid wasn't getting enough juice to fully engage. This wire goes through the clutch switch and another connector in the engine compartment (at least on my 77 it does). I also added in a secret kill switch in this path. I took the kill switch and clutch switch out of the path and cleaned all the rust off the connector. Haven't had a problem ever snce. Good luck let us know what you find!
Oh and one more thing - it might be your key switch?
[Modified by Boofers, 12:02 PM 8/22/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Another Starter problem (71stockray)
Check both battery cables closely. When you get the "click", flip open the battery compartment, move the pos/neg slightly (even just the cables) then try again. I had this problem. Starter was fine, battery connection just wasn't 100% and it needs to be. My car ('68) doesn't have a neutral safety switch, so I wiggled the wire, while reaching to the dash to turn the key. Worth a look.....Good luck! :cheers:
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Kailua Hawaii
Re: Another Starter problem (68shark)
I recently had some starter problems myself. Similar sounding. I finally traced the problem to a worn out neutral safety switch on my shifter. Quick fix, I just installed a new 40 amp relay and hooked it to the solenoid bypassing any of the stock wiring. No problems since. Hehe.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
Re: Another Starter problem (Viken)
I put a CSI ministarter in that took less juice to turn and more resistant to heat. No more problems. I'm glad my electrical system wasn't the source.
You can do fancy things like bypassing this and that, adding a relay, etc.. but there is no reason the stock system shouldn't work. Find the problem!
BTW, When my neutral safety switch went bad I didn't even get click.
You can do fancy things like bypassing this and that, adding a relay, etc.. but there is no reason the stock system shouldn't work. Find the problem!
BTW, When my neutral safety switch went bad I didn't even get click.
