My First Setback - SUCCESS!, Looks like a bad starter or solenoid Options

[turk22]

Hey, so it seems like my starter may have crapped out. Worst part is I think its my fault. I went to start the car, the car was in gear, and it engaged, the car moved forward a little (an inch), and I immediately let off the key. Since that moment, when trying to start, I get a loud click from the starter (or the relay?), but nothing else.

After looking at all the related threads, here's what I've done to test:


- Tried to jump the starter from the yellow wire terminal on the solenoid to the positive on the starter with a screwdriver, just got a weak spark, and the starter did nothing.

- Tried to jump the starter from the positive to the negative side with a jumper cable (If I understand correctly the starter should spin, but the flywheel not engage?). Nothing happened, not a sound, click, or anything.

From what I've been reading it seems like a bad starter.

I know there is probably more to test/eliminate to make sure this is starter issue. But electrical is not my strong suit. I have purchased a multimeter.

- I believe that I need to test the voltage from the yellow lead of the solenoid while cranking the engine. Question: Just ground the meter to the tranny case?

The car was starting fine, and after that one incident, never again. I bump started it, and drove around the block a few time (hoping the starter was just stuck or something), but no luck, same click, no start.

What I'm hoping to do, is rule out other possibilites and then I guess order the replacement starter if that's what needed.

Turk

[SLITS]

The VOM should have long enough leads that you should be able to clip the + to the yellow wire, set the meter on the trunk or ground so it can be read. ground - lead anywhere on the body and turn the key. You will see what voltage you have at the yellow wire.

[turk22]

Well, a fellow 914World member (thanks again toadster!) contacted me, and was nice enough to stop over with his new battery to see if perhaps my battery didn't have the needed oomph to turn over the starter.

But no luck, same annoying click, we also cleaned up the bundle of ground connections in the engine compartment behind the drivers seat. He was able to call a mechanic friend who suggested holding the key in the start position for 15 seconds and feel the important connections for heat.

We found that the starter and solenoid motor were quite hot, and the cable from the positive post of the battery to the starter was slightly warm. That cable connector (that also has the 3 red wires attached) seems a little 'crusty' and I will buy a new connector and clean up that connection.

I will also replace the connector on the end of the yellow wire that connects to the solenoid. The fact that the solenoid and starter are so hot, makes me think that there is a problem there. I will also remove the starter and bench test it (my new refurbished Bosch SR17x), just to make sure that it is functioning correctly.

Turk

[Jon H.]

Have you tried to jump start the car or at least move the crank postion/fly wheel by pushing the car while in gear? If not try that and then try to start it. It seems to me that you've eliminated almost all of the possible electrical issues and might have to look at something mechanical. That heat is getting generated means that power is getting to where it should and with a new starter it should turn the engine over. I dunno though, I hate tracking electrical problems too! This is a simple circuit too, arrgh! I feel your pain.

[zambezi]

Have you tried to jump start the car or at least move the crank postion/fly wheel by pushing the car while in gear? If not try that and then try to start it. It seems to me that you've eliminated almost all of the possible electrical issues and might have to look at something mechanical. That heat is getting generated means that power is getting to where it should and with a new starter it should turn the engine over. I dunno though, I hate tracking electrical problems too! This is a simple circuit too, arrgh! I feel your pain.

This happened to me when my starter was going out. The bendix was getting hung up in the extended position and all I could get was the click sound. I tried rocking the car in gear and it would not go (seemed like the motor was locked up). Once I loosened the bolts to remove the starter I heard a thunk as the bendix retracted and I was then able to turn the motor over. I have since changed to a gear reduction starter and never looked back.
JIM

[turk22]

SUCCESS!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)

I replaced the positive battery terminal connection (you were right toadman!).

and cleaned up the connections on that terminal, and she fired right up!





So I have a good back up starter, and I learned a thing or two.



Thanks everyone for helping, I really appreciate it.

Turk

[dlee6204]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[turk22]

Yep, I was just out for a nice drive, what beautiful weather here in Cincinnati this week.

Turk

[toadman]

SUCCESS!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)

I replaced the positive battery terminal connection (you were right toadster!).

and cleaned up the connections on that terminal, and she fired right up!





So I have a good back up starter, and I learned a thing or two.



Thanks everyone for helping, I really appreciate it.

Turk

I am glad I was able to help. And, by the way, my name on 914World is Toadman.

[76-914]

Did you prep and seal that cable end and those ring terminals so they won't corrode, again. Congrats on the "stick to it-ness", (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[turk22]

Did you prep and seal that cable end and those ring terminals so they won't corrode, again. Congrats on the "stick to it-ness", (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

uh-oh... whatdoihafta do??