Trouble Shooting Starter/solenoid

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

I've done a search, but I want to clarify...

I've had some starting issues for a little while that I'm trying to sort. Basically my 69 would only "sometimes" start off the ignition key. However I found that puting the park lights on and then starting the car worked every time WTF! Figuring an earth problem etc... I have farted around with the wiring to the point that I'm really not sure what my specific problem is now (perhaps I should have just left "Christine" alone?)

Anyway I decided to jump the starte posts with a screwdriver, but all I get now is the starter turning, but the solenoid won't seem to engauge the ring gear. So am I right in assuming that if the motor won't turn, but the starter spins using the screwdriver method = the solenoid has failed??!!

Early_S_Man · 01-25-2005, 09:52 PM

John,

I don't think you can safely make any assumptions ... on a car you have taken to calling 'Christine' ... if you mean of the Stephen King deviant, homicidal variety!

I would try jumpering +12 Volts to the solenoid #50 terminal ... to see if the solenoid will act normally. If it doesn't respond, then your assumption MAY be correct.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Okay, I yanked the starter and gave it 12v on #50 and it seems to work so I guess I've got to start working my way back through 35 years of previous owner repairs and additions including the "alarm system" that has been beautifully grafted in with electrical tape and no solder

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Just to finish this thread off and to assist anyone finding it on a search...

I delved deeper into the solenoid and found that once it heated up it failed 100%. I picked up a new aftermarket solenoid (original Bosch would take 5 days) and installed it after taking the time to pull/clean/grease the lever mechanism and repack the small bearings on central spiral spline. I put it all together and it started off the key first time

Once again I've been saved by the incredible knowledge on this board, and specifically by one of the 10 best tech contributors on Pelican.

Cheers Warren!