'74 914 2L Starter/Cranking/Starting Issue Options

[GregAmy]

Looking for some feedback on a '74 2L no-crank issue. It's inconsistent, and I've only begun to troubleshoot. I've read through various troubleshooting threads and guides.

The basic problem is that sometimes the starter won't turn. No clicking, no turning, total silence, so it's like the solenoid is either not getting power or it's not engaging. The only other symptom I see is the voltmeter moving hard left when I've got the ignition switch in the "start" position, and it goes back to 12 when I release it. Sometimes I can turn off the key and re-try and it'll crank, but a couple times it didn't though I was able to easily push-start it (wife was McKayla-level not amused...)

My thoughts are that this is either a bad starter/solenoid (no clicky at all from solenoid while voltmeter shows a load) or the "hot start relay" issue (although threads seem to indicate the solenoid clicks when this is an issue.) I'm not convinced this is an ignition switch issue, given that the voltmeter is reacting to key going into the "start" position.

I'm about to pull the passenger seat to check the wiring and relays under there (no idea if the seatbelt thing has been disabled) and I'll pull the starter and check that out on the bench (although it's acting fine with the key in my garage today). I may actually pull the starter solenoid off and apart and see if it's in good shape if necessary.

Any other thoughts before I get too deep into this thing...?

- GA