Went to start the Exploder this morning and all I get is a single click when I turn the key. All the gauges, radio lights work. The battery is less than a year old. I checked the fuses and those are fine. Since there is no relay mounted on the fender well I decided to pull the starter.

What a ***** it was to get to the nuts on the damn thing. It's even harder to get at the wire connections on the solenoid. I ended up removing the starter itself and then disconnected the wiring after I dropped and rotated it a bit. In the process I ended up snapping the small wire to the solenoid at the connection itself.

It's some pretty good corrosion on it. I'm going to take it to the parts store tomorrow to have it tested and see what if I have to replace the whole assy.

Now the question, has anyone bought the cheaper starters off E-bay? I've seen some for around $50 ish or higher. I'd rather not pay the $140+ at the parts store. Thoughts?

Thanks

 

I wouldn't be afraid of ebay providing it's a reputable seller (like an ebay store), and free shipping. Keep in mind the ones on ebay are not rebuilt, just out of junkers. Also, check your local junk yards.

 

Before you take the starter to the shop an have it tested you can test it yourself. Take a set of jumper cables an hook them up to your battery. Clamp the negative to the case of the starter and then touch the positive to the terminals on the starter one at a time. If the starter is bad you won't get anything from it from either terminal or you may get power to one but not both. Be sure to identify the power terminals. One is for the motor and one is for the solenoid. This is a good indication of whether or not it is bad. Most times the motor will activate but the solenoid won't. These units are notorious for that. If the starter is good you will get power to both. Make sure that when the starter motor is activated it gives a good "KICK". If not then yes replace it for the motor is starting to wear out due to bad connection or just age or fatigue due to excessive heat build up from frequent usage. From what you have described so far I would hazard a guess that corrosion is the culprit here and your starter is good. Make sure the battery cable connections are clean as well to and from the starter AS WELL AS THE FRAME GROUNDS. ANY corrosion will cause a failure. If it is the motor and you are good with your hands with good eye coordination and some knowledge of electrical wiring and know how the starter works then you may be able to repair it your self. This would require you to take the starter apart and clean the brushes and commutators on the armature. Make sure the brushes are clean and are not damaged and are "formed to the arm commutators ( in this I mean nice curvature mount to the arm ) and that the shunt wires are still connected and commutators are clean using emery cloth. Be careful here as well. Excessive sanding can damage the commutators. Be careful when taking it apart for it can be tricky but with practice you can do it very easily in no time at all. With some practice you can have the motor back to new condition and run like it did before. Be sure to also lightly grease the bushings on the can housing and the end cap so you have clean and fluid moment of armature shaft. Check to make sure the bushings are good as well. Use a screwdriver to move the bushings in the end cap and the can housing. If they are tight and smooth to move then they are good but if they are loose or rough in movement then replace the starter for these are difficult to find and replace. If it is the solenoid then there is nothing you can do but replace it. If you are successful then you can use this knowledge you have gained for use with window motors as well. Same thing applies but but no solenoid and smaller. You Saving money as well as time instead of going to the store for a new one. Hope this helps. I wouldn't mind using eBay but make sure you get a warranty so if the new one doesn't work you can send it back. Be aware that some Co. use the electrical component clause and may not allow you to return it. Even though it is "mechanical in nature" it is still an electrical unit and falls under that rule.