Carrera Starting issue

[macssc911]

Yesterday my Neighbor, ask me to look at his 85, he had just replaced battery due to he thought was his starting problem. I ask him to pull on his headlights and start. The result was the lights totally dimmed down and no start. We then just rocked the car a little and tried again , it started. OK I think he needs to replace his starter assembly. Does anyone disagree or think it could just be the solenoid
Thanks to all

[kodioneill]

Ground strap under car that ties the transmission and engine ground to the body is most likely corroded or has a poor connection.

[Joe Bob]

Use a volt meter to read the connectors at the starter when attempting to start the engine. Voltage drops will ID the cable that is at issue, remove, clean and/or replace.

If there is still a problem it could be the battery needs to be load tested or the starter needs servicing lubrication or replacement. Batteries can be defective out of the box.

Something is drawing too many amps and the battery can't handle the load. Be sure that the battery is FULLY charged from an external source.

Back in the day, I had a starter give me fits until I found that the shaft was out of spec due to the bushing being worn inside the trans. The shaft got bent because of the bushing slop, was dragging the starter motor and causing an amp draw....welcome to old cars.