Starter operation

[Christien]

Please forgive what may be a very stupid question!

I've got an intermittent start problem. When I turn the key I can hear a click from the starter but the car doesn't start. Maybe 25% of the time the car does start.

I pulled the starter out and put it on the bench. I put 12V to it and the plunger thing shot out. Should that plunger thing rotate, or does the conical splined portion force something else to turn?

Thanks!

[markt944]

When u energize the solonoid the cog should fly out and engage with ring gear in turn when connected properly the motor starts to turn

if ur getting a clicking noise thats a classic case of nackered solonoid

Are u sure those bits uv labelled arnt a bearing thats come out of the body

Mark

[Christien]

No, I'm not sure. It was last week that I bench tested it, and don't remember exactly.

When I put juice to it, should the cone-shaped piece be rotating?

[jmd_forest]

Assuming you're only putting 12V to the selenoid, it is operating as designed, the selenoid plunger pulls the gear out to engage with the flywheel tooth ring.

Try attaching the 12V to the large lug of the starter where the large wire attaches and then jumper from the large lug to the small lug where the small wire attaches. The starter should them act like you turned the key. The gear should jump out and the starter should turn.

You might try removing the selenoid from the starter, clean up the selenoid plunger and cavity with 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper, and give both a shot of WD-40 before reassembly. Retest before reinstalling, Also, cleanup all wire connectors to the starter and also the battery terminals.

jmd_forest

[John_AZ]

Here is a starter rebuilding site to give you a better view and has tips.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2359900&postid=42115781

John_AZ
1988 924S + 1987 924S

[Christien]

Alright, thanks everyone. From your responses here, that site with the rebuild instructions and a couple youtube videos, I've determined I need to just replace the bugger. For $40 or $50 I'd rather do that than try to rebuild it.

Thanks!

[Razorback1980]

A click can also mean you aren't getting a full 12V to the starter. This could be a battery cable or bad connection at the starter. Check your voltage at the end of the battery cable that goes on the main post. Of course as mentioned it could be the solenoid.

[Lapponia]

Interesting! Bushing stuck on the axle end (pulled out earlier?) . Solenoid cant move its hole way and no amps will get to the armature and therefore no rotation - just clicking with a little movement from the solenoid and cog. Could it be so?
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Lapponia 84 - 944 N/A (man).