Ok guys, I had a problem like this a while back, and it was my battery. I installed new battery, new cables, new solenoid, new starter. I was at the store today, and I heard the dreaded single Click when I turned the key. After a couple of hours toiling in the lot (checking connections, trying to get a jump, and getting really dirty) I tried to arc the solenoid. It wouldnt work at first, but after like 6-7 tries the motor turned, and started. Is this a bad starter? I just bought the darn thing.

 

I have heard alot of guys going through two or three starters berfore they finally get one that works at the discount parts houses.

 

If you know that your battery is getting charged up ok, it is probably the starter. Unless you have a large engine like a 390. I had to use a larger battery to get reliable starting with mine.

 

Hi friends,
ever since I jumped the solenoid, she has been starting up fine. Any suggestions? I did rebuild the top end, and added new heads which is giving me 5 degrees more heat than I used to run at. Could this heat difference be the reason my starter wouldnt engage?

 

The current path is from the battery, thru the soleniod, to the starter, to groud thru the engine block, back to the battery. Sounds like youve replaced everything... But new doesn't always mean it'll work properly (especially with electrical components).

Doublecheck your ground from the block back to the battery.
When you tried to jump the soleniod, did you hear it click the 6 or 7 times until it worked?
If the answer is yes,... then recheck the cable and connections between the solenoid & the starter... (Note: this cable has fried on me twice on my 1969 428 scj Torino Cobra in the past).
If the answer is no,...then it could have been a sticky soleniod.
(the solenoid is probably the cheapest item...$10-ish)

Unfortunately, the rest will probably cost you in replacement parts, and unfortunately the response from Franklin2 is accurate.
Rebuilt starters don't always work. Some of the "rebuilt" starters are tested in their shops with big current generating machines that test fine to them, but dont work that well in service ( 2 in a row from AutoZone for a 460 Ford for my Dads RV). Heat will affect a starters performance also, but if the starter is not too close to your exhaust, that 5 degrees shouldn't be the cause.

If you can, pull the starter and do a visual on the terminal post...sometimes these rebuild guys get a little "happy" with the spray paint, make sure your connection is good. Another thing you should do is to connect a battery charger (or spare battery) positive clamp (or jumper cable if using a spare battery) to the terminal and momentarily touch the starter flange with the negative clamp(or jumper cable if using a spare battery). The starter should operate aggresively....be ready for it to jump a little(you may want to clamp part of the flange in a bench vise). If it is Not that agressive (doesn't scare you) get a replacement starter...and do yourself a favor, redo the above checks on the replacement starter prior to installing it...it'll save you some time if it is bad also. Some of the aftermarket gear-reduction high torque starters are real nice...but they can run you $200-ish.

Good Luck
Deano

 

Thanks Deano,
When I put the block back in, I changed the position of my block ground to the bolt on the back of the tranny pumpkin. (dont know why?) I went ahead and put a new bolt in the back of my head, and sanded both connections real good. Im sure of this ground now. She started fine, and Ill let you know how it goes.


Thank you for your in-depth reply.


55forder

P.S. Im saving now for a good starter. I diddnt go with rebuilt stuff for anything else, why would I go with the thing to get me up and running? What we wont do to save a buck, Being stranded just isnt worth it.