Help ... Starter Question

Doug E · 09:47 AM

Any opinions or thoughts about this?

I just completed a rebuild on my '81 SC and have had the engine back in the car for just over 2 weeks now. During that time I have repeatedly started her up with no problem and just yesterday I did 125 miles with no problems. Each time she fired right up and was ready to go.

Today I was looking forward to another 150 miles or so but when I went to turn the key the starter wouldn't spin or engage. All lights and guages work fine including the radio and fuel pump but just to be sure I tested the battery and there is 12.66V with the key in the "off" position.

Since all of that seems good I then checked the starter solenoid connections and found 12.44V with the key in the "on" position.
Since I'm the only one home right now I can't test the starter solenoid with the key in the "start" position but I'm assuming since I have 12.44V back there already that it will be fine.

In the hopes of it being something simple and temorary I did try banging on the starer case with a hammer (old myth of a swift hit to knock it back into functioning) but that was to no avail.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me there is something else I should be checking because I really don't want to have to do a partial drop to replace the starter seeing how the engine just went back into the car.

Thinking of that, has anybody successfully replaced the starter with-out doing a partial drop?

Better yet, if it turns out to be the starter what would just make it die over night ?????

TIA for any and all help. On one hand I'm really upset but on the other hand thank god it happened in the garage

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

Not sure I follow. Is your starter spinning and not engaging or is it dead? I assume you mean it is dead. Yes tapping with a hammer will often work depending on the problem...not an urban legend. If you are very careful...car in neutral and parking brake on, no jewelry on, you can jumper the voltage over to the solenoid from the main lug with a screwdriver (hold the plastic handle) or a jumper cable to test the starter when alone. Yes, you should be able to pull a starter without a partial drop...but it is tight and you need the right tools.

Doug E · 02-15-2004, 09:49 AM

I just edited the original post to clarify: yes, the starter is dead ... no spin and therefore no engage.

I'm doing some research now on avoiding the partial drop. Thanks.

RoninLB · 02-15-2004, 09:53 AM

I'm w/ flintstone on this one. If you do get the starter to spin from the screwdriver jump it's an obvious elec feed prob.

the sol feed wiring is a convoluted path, with many areas of weakness..

Jim Sims · 02-15-2004, 09:57 AM

Check the 14-pin connector (engine wiring harness to electrical chassis) on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Cheers, Jim

Doug E · 02-15-2004, 09:58 AM

Thanks Ron.

Dumb question I know but testing the starter that way requires removal, right ?

Doug E · 02-15-2004, 10:00 AM

Jim - anything in particular to look for on the pin connector other then it is snugly in there ? I'll go do a visual but I haven't touched it since we put the motor back in.

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

no

Jim Sims · 02-15-2004, 10:06 AM

I would separate the 14-pin connector, look for burned pins/sockets and then reconnect ensuring it is well registed. Jim

Doug E · 02-15-2004, 10:11 AM

Jim - I owe you one ... I just went to the garage, wiggled the 14 pin connector and turned the key ... SHE STARTED RIGHT UP !!!!!

I'm no going to disconnect that point and check it out hoping it is just a matter of a poor connection.

Thanks a bunch for the suggestion !

RoninLB · 02-15-2004, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doug E
but testing the starter that way requires removal, right ?

sorry I wasn't clear Doug.

the first thing I do with starter prob like this is jack the car up, put tranny in netural, then reach under with a full size screwdriver and lean it on the large starter feed lug.. then touch the screwdriver end to the solenoid.. if the sol kicks in you know you have a sol elec feed issue..

there are many areas to confirm the sol feed.
Jim mentions the most likely area that may need cleaning and a razor blade to spread the male pin. it's easy to find because it's a yellow wire pin. The 14pin cleaning is not a wham bang.. it should be gentle with patience and a clear head.. there are other areas if that 14 pin cleaning doesn't work..

I also installed an engine comp momentary sw. for the starter.. that's another story.

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

Yeah, a happy ending!

Jim Sims · 01:27 PM

Doug, If you elect to check/clean the connection; I do believe it is terminal one of the 14-pin connector that carries the switching power for the starter solenoid. It should be a yellow wire of slightly larger gauge compared to the rest of the wires. The pins/sockets in the 14-pin connector are sliver plated so should only be cleaned with a very very mild abrasive such as a #2 pencil eraser. The pins may be spread very slightly with a razor blade to tighten the connection. If a pin is badly burned an OEM repair kit may be obtained and a new silver plated pin installed (soldered in). It is also good practice to very lightly coat the pins with silicone dielectric grease before reconnecting. Enjoy your drive, Cheers, Jim

fintstone · fintstone's Garage

I suggest that you be careful where you drive it/turn it off for a while so as not to get stranded. Lots of times when folks fix problems by wiggling a wire, etc...It is just coincidence that it started then. Especially with starter problems. Good luck.

Doug E · 02-15-2004, 01:22 PM

Just back in the door after 130 miles and all seems to be well.

The pins did appear to be slightly corroded so I used a very soft wire brush (of course I turned the computer off before seeing the responses about using a #2 eraser

). Good call on spreading the male end slightly with a razor blade - I'm going to try that tonight.

Thanks again for all the help - as always, this board rocks !!!!!!!!!