Another Starter Question

[Kmiller86]

Here is the story. After doing some mods this winter, it was finaly time to start my car. I had the tranny off, head off, got a new turbo, and relocated the battery to the trunk. I go to start it today but nothing happens, it doesnt crank over. Battery is good. The lights do not dim when I try to start it. I used a multi-meter to test the starter and it is getting 12.8 volts. When i turn the key I can hear the starter selanoid click once then click again when I let off the key. Does this sound like a fried starter? It worked fine 3 months ago. Also what is the voltage suposed to be on the little wire on the starter?
Thanks

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

I would have someone crank the engine while you are using your multimeter. Which by the way. Good Job. You should have battery voltage on the big post and when cranking you should have battery voltage on both the big and the little post.

If you do, check the big post while cranking to see if you have a drastic voltage drop which could indicate also a bad connection.

Either you have a bad starter, or a bad connection. It should not drop below 10v for any reason. If it does, then you have some changes to make.

Good Luck

 

[Kmiller86]

I had a buddy of mine crank it while i measured and the voltage did not change. I ran out of time and did not do the same for the small wire. I will try this tomorrow. How would the starter go bad after sitting for a few months?? Could it somehow be stuck?? Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[1stGenRocks]

yea it could be stuck or have a dead spot. next time your messing with it try whacking it with a hammer then try cranking again. if it works after a couple hits then you need to get a new one soon.

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

yea it could be stuck or have a dead spot. next time your messing with it try whacking it with a hammer then try cranking again. if it works after a couple hits then you need to get a new one soon.

Not a bad idea. Just be judicious while whacking. Be sure to have someone attempting to crank while you "whack" it.

Good Luck

 

[shuedaman]

Sounds like an identical problem i had. I had to drive around with a hammer for two weeks, but after a new starter everything has been fine.

 

[tsunari]

I have the same problem with mine, except it's random . . . try this:

Get a 1/2" drive socket wrench and rotate the crank CW a bit
Remove socket wrench and try starting again

If she cranks over, you may have the same problem I do . . . unfortunately I haven't found
the solution yet- here's what I've tried so far:

-3 new starters (all different brands)
-new starter wiring harness (Battery -> Starter | Battery -> Ground | Starter Solenoid wire)

Because it's random, it makes it difficult to put up on jackstands and troubleshoot. Only thing I haven't done yet is measure the voltage @ the solenoid wire, nor have I checked the starter relay yet (can not really think of anything else it could be).

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Kmiller86]

Thanks for all of the help this far. I have tried everything. I turned the engine over by hand, turned it over while tapping the key, tapping on the starter with a 1/2in extention, and still nothing. I am going to break down and take it off. How does a starter go bad from just sitting there?? Thanks again.