my starter will click when i turnb the key and i will need to continue to turn it multiple times till it eventually will turn over. then sometimes it starts right up.
the starters a new one
its also been tested-good
i have no other electrical problems,
and the batterys an optima red top.

I can only assume poor grounding, does this sound right? and if so which ground is likely mu culpret?
im not near the car now, it will be a few days till i can work on it. any other ideas guys?

thanks

 

check your ground cable for tightness at all locations. also check the positive cable for the same, especially at the starter. check the female blade connector at the starter solenoid, make sure its not loos and that the male blade on the solenoid is not corroded.

 

I'm actually experiencing the same issue. I thought it was the starter and replaced it, same deal. Sometimes it takes 3 shots, sometimes it takes 30.

 

same thing happened to me. most likely poor grounding.

 

same exact problem im having. i dont drive the car much but start it everyday so ive been disconnecting the battery when i turn it off for the day and thats working for now. i guess im gonna need to check all the battery and starter connections for loosness or corrosion. i dont wanna disconnect the battery everytime when i drive it more often since its gettin warm.

 

Very common problem. Cleaning up all the connections, including those at the main fuse can help or cure it, but it can also be the ignition switch or just a crappy starter solenoid signal wire. Some go so far as to wire in an extra relay in the start circuit to get more current to the starter.

 

I've been losing power in my 87 t2 as well. My starter was shot, so I got a new one. Before I took the starter off I noticed the long bolt and nut that holds on the ground to the starter was loose. There was the problem. It's also possible that's your problem, because its semi hard to get too and awkward. My recommendation is 14mm wrench on the nut side and 14mm socket/ratchet at the bolt side, give er' ****. I reefed on it pretty good.

 

Could a bad ground elsewhere cause this problem? I'm referring to outside of the battery/alternator/starter loop.
I'm determined to get this thing to fire up each time I turn the key so any suggestions help!
Some times I get a loud THUNK, and sometimes it fires up.. quite embarrassing hah.

 

Yup the clicking really is embarrassing. I keep getting offers for a jump. I will be checking connections tomorrow. Keep me updated what worked for you guys.

 

change the contacts inside the starter, its a 2 dollar part but they wear out and make starting a problem...

Find a place that rebuilds auto electrical parts (starter/alternators) and they should have replacement contacts.

 

Sounds like a plan. I'll resort to that if the the new cables and cleaning ground points aren't helping. Although, the starter clicks are loud and when it starts cranking it fires up immediately. I'll update which ever works.