Guys, I really need help on this one...I'm ripping my hair out here.

Out of the blue, my car would not turn over. It would give me just one click when I turned the key, and thats it. I suspected the starter, so I replaced it myslef with a used unit. Cleaned the connections and installed it.

The car started fine for one day. Next morning, again, nothing, just one click. I took out a big wrench, and gave the starter a good whack. This worked and she started. I went through this about 3 times since. So...one time it'll start up, one time it won't. No pattern.

I did a search...as a result this is what I tested thus far.

Using the DMM - Pulled the little black connector on the starter. Checked for 12v when turning the key - Good. Checked for 12v at the relay by the trailing coil - good. Took off steering colom cover - no loose connections. L

Looked under dash, by clutch pedal to test clutch interlock - There were two switches there. Silvern on teh fron of the pedal, and a White one on the back of the pedal. See pix - The silver is attached, and white switch I'm holding in my hand.

I assums the white is the clutch interlock. If I hold in the plunger, and turn key, I hear the click. If I release plunger and turn key, no click.

I also checked the plugs by the engine bay fuse box - See pix. All seem ok - not melted.

I cannot figure out why this car wont start on me. Can it be possible that both these starters are bad?

other info:
new engine, new battery, new plugs, crane ignition.

PLEASE HEP me!!! this is my only ride, and I gotta get to work.

thanx.

 

The used unit could be bad too. You're better off buying a new Reman unit. From the troubleshooting you did, it just seems that your used unit is indeed bad as well.

 

If you hit the new starter you installed, and it worked, then it is bad too. Get a totally new starter IMHO.

 

C'mon guys. Someone must have some more insight? Guru's where art thou?

 

i fried my old starter plus a used starter when i did a tranny swap. I bought a brand freaking new starter and she turns over in about 1/2 sec everytime. I just fried the first two old starters i guess.

 

This has been reported here before. It's a problem no one seems to have an answer for. I've tried running new ground wires, new positive wire to the starter, new starter, starter cut relay check - all to no avail. However, If I put 12 volts directly on the solinoid the starter turns every time. I think I'm not getting a good 12 volts to the solinoid. When i pulled the starter cut relay, it looked like the connections were slightly corroded. I cleaned them up and my starting problems got a little better. I think I have minor corrosion problems throughout that system. I'm going to work on it a bit this weekend. I'll let you know.


Rob

 

I believe like the others, if you wacked the started, and joggled the brushes, and it worked....Bad starter. With the starter on the ground, hook up battery cables to it, jump with a scredriver and see if it works. Also, take it apart and check condition of brushes/springs.

 

Look, starters arent brain surgery. If it didnt work, and then you hit it, and it did work, the starter is ****. Get a new one.

 

I agree--starter. the only other thing I can think of is if you have some corrosion in the wiring to the starter, and it isn't getting the full power it needs. That wouldnt be explained by the hammering on it though. Go simple-just get a reman starter. If that doesn't work, it isnt like you couldn't use a good starter anyway.