Hey guys,

Just a minor issue that I could use a second opinion on... My '86 is only starting about half of the time - but when it doesn't start, I've been able to get it going by tapping on the starter solenoid while someone else is turning the key.

The solenoid is only a couple months old, do you think it's a shotty one or poorly installed and I need a new one? Or could this be a different issue?

Cheers,

William

 

When you say "doesn't start", do you mean that the starter motor doesn't turn, or it turns but the engine won't start up?

If the former, and you say the solenoid was replaced recently, I would first check all the high current connections, like the spades bolted onto the two big studs. Make sure that they are all clean and tight. I assume this is the solenoid on the inner fender, not the one on the starter motor.

It's also possible that your "new" solenoid has gone bad. You can test this by bypassing the solenoid with a jumper cable; connect one clamp onto one of the big studs, and use the clamp on the other end of the same cable to tap the other big stud. If it tries to turn the motor, then the solenoid may indeed be bad.

 

Thanks for the response xlt - when I say it doesn't start, I mean it doesn't even try to turn over. The key turns and dashboard lights go on and thats it. No clicking or rumbling or anything... I'm hoping it's just a bad solenoid and I will follow your instructions to make sure that is the issue. And yes, I am referring to the solenoid on the inner fender.

-William