Non start issue, 1980 S C

[tevake]

Been having occasional trouble starting. Will click at the starter. And buzz near the smugglers box.

I have replaced the ground strap at the batt. Cleaned the ground strap from starter to chassis. Took it to a shop they said they tested the ignition switch, found it to be bad. So I just replaced that with new one. Got my Houdini on to do that!

There is clearly some buzzing near the smugglers box while pressing the key to start.

Any Ideas what that could be? Or where to look next.

Thanks Richard

[tevake]

So next would you pull the starter and get it tested?
Really curious about the buzzing sound near the smugglers box.

[pete3799]

Fuel pump buzzing most likely if you hear it while cranking.

[pete3799]

Battery fully charged?

[tevake]

The starter is not kicking in or cranking.
Been keeping a trickle charger on the new batt.

Thanks

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by pete3799

Fuel pump buzzing most likely if you hear it while cranking.

+1.

Get the rear end in the air and check starter area connections.

Whacking on the solenoid is the standard cheater trick.

[tevake]

At what point does the furl pump start running? When the ignition switch is turned on or not till the key is turned to the start position ?
The buzzing I'm hearing is just when the key is in the start position.

I have the car jacked up now and have checked the connections there and they are tight.
Bob. I will try tapping on the solenoid and see if that helps..
Then I guess it's pull the starter and get it tested. That will give me a chance to clean all contact areas.

Thanks Richard

[tevake]

O K. I did pull the starter today and got it tested at a nearby Auto Zone, it did test as bad. So off to the local auto electric shop for a rebuild.

The struggle to get the hidden top bolt out was a lot like getting to the upper screw out of the ignition switch undone last weekend. I knew there was a reason why I looked at all other possibilities first.
Oh well both jobs will go easier next time.

I will check in once the starter comes back with a sit rep .
Thanked for the suggestions.

Cheers Richard

[ossiblue]

Sounds like you've got the problem under control. Just to answer your other question, the fuel pump first begins to run when the key is in the start position, not when the key is in the "run" position. The exception would be if the air flow sensor circuit is disconnected or faulty or the fuel pump relay is faulty. Under those conditions, the pump will run as soon as the key is put in the "on" position.

Your pump is operating correctly.

[tevake]

Thanks for the info L J. I keep trying to learn about these cars and this is a good place to do that with the help of fellow pelicans.

Cheers Richard

[tevake]

I want to report in with a successful outcome to my starting issues.
after an expensive and incorrect diagnosis at a local eurocar shop.
and going thru most of the possibilities ,Batt replaced, grounding points, ignition switch replacement. I pulled the starter and it tested as bad. sent it to a local auto electric shop for rebuild. they opened it up and found the components to be O K . the tech said the grease had dried and turned gunky. so he cleaned and lubed it and reassembled, it then checked out Fine. Charged just $40. and even dropped it off at my place on his way home.
WOW nice to find a shop like this. No up charging , went the extra way to drop it by my place. Great service.

I got installed today and it just snaps to life now.

I'm stoked.

Cheers Richard