Diagnosing starter issue help
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Crayon Eater
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 333
Likes: 125
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Diagnosing starter issue help
Gents need a little help before I break out the wallet here. I’m having a intermittent no crank issue that fixes itself after a few key cycles. Sometimes it cranks first cycle, others I get the dunk/clunk noise that I’m assuming is the starter relay under the hood sending power but nothing else. One time I got a super short crank but it stopped while I had the key turned, but most times it’s turn key hear the dunk/clunk and get nothing. Keep clutch in and recycle key until she cranks away.
So I’m thinking it’s the starter solenoid not engaging. So I’m guessing that’s going to mean a new starter?
now it’s been cold and wet so I need to get my lazy butt under her and check the wires to the starter but if they are snug and clean I’m shopping for a starter correct? I mean I could buy a $40 relay but it sounds like by the clunk I’m hearing it’s sending power. I think I read somewhere I can ohm it to rule it out but my shade tree mechanic senses are telling me it’s good.
anyway any advice would be great, thanks Gents, Rye.
Oh and I have new batteries, that said I load tested them individually then topped them off and added a trickle charger to the rig so I am sure it’s not batteries.
So I’m thinking it’s the starter solenoid not engaging. So I’m guessing that’s going to mean a new starter?
now it’s been cold and wet so I need to get my lazy butt under her and check the wires to the starter but if they are snug and clean I’m shopping for a starter correct? I mean I could buy a $40 relay but it sounds like by the clunk I’m hearing it’s sending power. I think I read somewhere I can ohm it to rule it out but my shade tree mechanic senses are telling me it’s good.
anyway any advice would be great, thanks Gents, Rye.
Oh and I have new batteries, that said I load tested them individually then topped them off and added a trickle charger to the rig so I am sure it’s not batteries.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 10,750
Likes: 1,065
From: Douglassville, PA
I would also jump the fender relay to see if that's the problem. Otherwise, I would expect it to be the starter solenoid. A reputable rebuilder should be able to fix it and it might not need a full rebuild. It's also possible that you could replace some parts in the solenoid if you are capable and it's the right kind of solenoid.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
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Crayon Eater
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 333
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From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Ok guys I’ll try to get outside in the next day or so and see what I find, I’ll report back. Thanks
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Attached is a portion of the FSM with some torque specs for battery cables if you are interested. Also, I have uploaded the starting system pinpoint tests and areas to check or read over to maybe give you some ideas.
Keep us updated.
Keep us updated.
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