Start Up Issue

[Phlown]

Hi all,

My 1980 SC has been resting for the last 3-4 months (Colorado car.) Was doing a little work on it today (still cold but Sunny), decided to start it up, take a short dive. Have had a Schumacher Maintainer on the battery all winter, so plenty of crank. Knew it might take a few attempts to fire up after setting so long. 3-4 tries, started then quit. Next turn of the key produced absolutely nothing! No engine turnover whatsoever - just like no battery attached to the car.

Had this happen during last driving season. I let car set, decided to deal with later. Next time I jumped in car, it started like nothing ever happened! Continued to start just fine from then on. Now the gremlin has returned. Thought I would ask if anyone has experienced this, knows what I should look at to eliminate the problem.

Thanks much,
Phil

[Joe Bob]

Can you hear the solenoid clicking? Open the door lean out and listen for the click. If it does click, it's a sticking solenoid.

Three options....tap the solenoid with a wrench or dead blow hammer, install a Ford style solenoid booster or try to find a German made solenoid replacement. The Chinese ones suck. If URO makes one runaway.

[stlrj]

Call AAA. They can jump start it and have you on your way in no time flat!

[jlex]

Check your battery, starter and ground connections. Sounds like you've developed a bit of corrosion that's not allowing full power to the starter. Starter draws a lot of power. Had to replace the transmission ground strap on my '88 because it was acting dead about 20% of the time. $10 strap cured it!

[Phlown]

Thanks to all for the replies. I went out the next day to try and start my car, instant turnover! If it happens again, will definitely listen for solenoid clicking or not, and also check out ground connections mentioned above.