4 replies to this topic

[Haynes]

This has happened intermittently several times - turn the key, click from the solenoid but starter doesnt turn.

 

Volt meter shows voltage drops to 6 or 7V at the starter motor and terminal very warm when key turned to start.  Good 12.5V at starter side of the solenoid with the starter cable disconnected.

 

So whats happening?  At first I thought the starter gear must be jamming on the flywheel but if its not spinning then the bendix wont be thrown?  Can the starter motor  just jam up?

 

One time, i got a bump start then it was fine for weeks although I did replace the solenoid thinking that was the problem.  Couple of other times I removed starter, put it back on and again worked fine for weeks. 

[nicklouse]

They can just get old.

bearings/bushes can wear and lock up. Etc etc.

[Coalhod]

Mine did this too.  I found putting the car in gear and then moving it slightly to have the starter turn to a different spot helped and eventually had it rebuilt.  That cured the problem but then these aftermarket external solenoids would quit within 6 months to a year.  Found an old 1960 ish solenoid on Ebay and it works fine.

[Aridgerunner]

Have the battery checked. While you do have 12.5 volts you could be low on cranking amps. A cell can go bad and still show proper voltage.

Edited by Aridgerunner, Today, 03:49 PM.

[Spider]

The front bush wears and then the armature rubs up against the the field poles, it is said to be 'poling out' when this occurs. When there's enough wear, they will lock up.