24 replies to this topic

[ralphbrown15]

Thanks for all your help, the coil wasn't wired up correctly. since then, i've changed the coil and wired it all up correctly. Just love the wiring diagrams!

Anyway, I tried to start it again and all I'm getting is a clicking from the solenoid and the starter isn't turning. What could this be? I've checked to see if power is getting to the starter motor and there is, it just isnt turning, do i need a new starter?

Thanks again

[dklawson]

The first thing to check is the charge on the battery. A machine gun type chattering from the solenoid is an indication that the battery is low.

[ralphbrown15]

The battery was getting jump started from my other car at the time, would that make a difference?

[dklawson]

Stupid questions follow....
When jump starting the car did you have the battery cable polarities correctly identified and connected?
Were your jumper cables true jumper cables (LARGE heavy copper conductors) or "booster cables" with smaller conductors?

If your car's battery is totally dead and you only have "booster cables"... they often will not carry enough current to turn an engine over.

[ralphbrown15]

I have proper heavy duty jump cables, I've used smaller ones in the past and found them absolutely useless.

All the electrics work and the solenoid clicks but nothing else, could it be a rubbish negative cable from the battery? The one that connects to the car?

[dklawson]

It could be an earth cable. Remember there is more than one. You have one in the boot that goes between the battery and the boot floor. Clean both ends of the cable, the battery terminals, and where the earth cable attaches to the boot floor. Make sure all the rust and paint is removed so you have metal to metal contact. There will also be a cable in the engine compartment. The cable was in different places over the years so look all over for it. Like the one in the boot, both cable ends have to be clean and bare metal. If the engine bay cable is missing, all the starter motor current has to pass through things like the throttle cable--- not good.

EDIT: You did not mention if the starter is an inertia type of pre-engaged. The solenoid for the inertia starter needs a good earth connection itself through its mounting bracket. If you have the inertia starter, make sure the solenoid has a good earth connection.

Edited by dklawson, 01 June 2012 - 12:34 AM.

[brad-the-bear]

give the starter a wack with a hammer

[ralphbrown15]

I charged up the battery and cleaned up the earth straps in the engine bay but still nothing from the starter motor, there is power going to the starter motor but it's not doing anything, do I need a new one? it's an inertia type starter motor, and i even smacked it with a hammer just in case that was the problem. The wires still aren't smoking which is positive at least

[dklawson]

On the inertia starters there should be a tiny square extension of the motor shaft passing out the rear of the housing. Try putting a wrench on that and turning it slightly by hand. You could have a burned or damaged spot on the commutator of the motor and moving it a tiny bit may at least get you going. It could also be worn out motor brushes or broken brush springs. They are also easily replaced and fixed but it might be quicker for you to replace the motor with an exchange unit unless you like working on electrical assemblies.

[ralphbrown15]

I'll try turning the little square thing at the end of the motor tomorrow. Is there anything major it could be?