Starter issue

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 13, 2013 | 08:39 AM

materi

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

Starter issue

I am running a '83 302 is my 53 and i want to test fire it before i proceed any further in my project. I am having issue with it getting to turn over. I have a brand new battery/relay/#2 cables/starter. I have every ground to bare steel. I am grounded from the battery to the running board support. Then up front from the frame to the front of the engine. I have positive cable from battery to relay in post then from relay outpost to starter. The relay is mounted on the same bolt as the ground cable. I run a #10 wire from the battery to a switch to tje s post on relay and all i get is CLICK. CLICK. Even when i jump it with a wrench between the two big posts all i get is a few sparks. I have aleady removed the starter and had it tested and it passed with flying colors. Kinda looked like an idiot at the parts store walking in with a brand new starter asking to get it tested. I usually like solving stuff on my own but after 3 evenings and cant figure it out i am at witts end. Am i missing something? My starter is a one post and i have tried both 3 post and 4 post relays.

Jul 13, 2013 | 08:50 AM

The Horvaths

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 1,314

Likes: 1

It's easy to locate the problem area(s). I hope that you have a Volt meter. If not, you deserve to own one. Do a search on the Internet for "starter voltage drop test" and all will be revealed. I like one called "starter voltage drop test explained in plain English" but there are many good web pages and videos out there. Good luck and please let us know what you find.

Note: also, check to see if the battery voltage itself drops significantly during starting. The internal resistance of a battery should not ever drop more than a couple of volts or so.

Last edited by The Horvaths; Jul 13, 2013 at 08:55 AM. Reason: Typo, info

Jul 13, 2013 | 09:52 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,298

Likes: 1,059

From: NM

The ground cable needs to go directly to the engine. Nothing connected to the frame draws more than maybe 10 amps. The starter draws 200+. That may not be your problem, but it won't help.

Jul 13, 2013 | 11:23 AM

Kurt G.

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 815

Likes: 29

From: Richland, WA.

I know you replaced everything but, you said test fire the motor. Is the motor rebuilt or one you bought/acquired I mean does motor turn freely. I do agree with the voltage drop test. The clicking sounds like bad selonoid. I have seen out of box bad units.