Problem Solved! - What was the Problem??

[bobswei]

In search of some electrical experts out there... I was doing some work on my neighbors 82' SC and it had this one problem where it would not start on accasion. It was clearly electrical since not even the starter motor would activate. Like a dead battery. Then later, it would start as if nothing was wrong. My neighbor wanted a lot of things done so got all the parts including new ignition switch (electrical side that the wires plug into) and a new "High Torque" starter motor. I replaced these two parts and problem is solved. Question is: Could it have been the starter sylinoid on the starter motor or the ignition switch? Or, is there a way to test either of these parts?
Thanks for any ideas.
Bob

[BigD9146gt]

I'd put my money on the starter solinoid. The most accurate way I've learned to find a problem is to replace one thing at a time.

[aigel]

I am positive your neighbor threw money out the window for the ignition switch. I had the same symptoms and a new high torque starter fixed them.

But who cares, it is his money and you are the hero now!

I think the high torque starter is money well spent! I just want to know why it is a hundred bucks more than the same piece for my American car... I guess it is the P car penalty...

George

[bobswei]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping it would have been the ignition switch since that was a bear to get out (top little screw). My neighbors a pretty good guy and a few extra bucks for some parts seems like what he likes to spend money on. And I'm out of work now and trying to pay the bills by working on friends and neigbors cars and saving them some money. So hopefully, it works out for everyone.
Thanks.

[aigel]

Yeah, don't sweat it. Shops do the same thing.

George

[911pcars]

"Or, is there a way to test either of these parts?"

Replacing parts could be an expensive way to diagnose things. Your friend now has a perfectly good ignition switch or starter assy as a backup. Good thing he didn't buy a new battery as well.

To answer your question regarding checking these two parts:

Ignition Switch: Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between the source (battery) terminal and the various switch positions (On, Off, Start, Acc).

Starter: Bench test off the car using jumper cables. If no activity, could be just the solenoid and not the motor. The solenoid can be purchased separately.

Sherwood