Mystery issue

[georgeramos]

My friends carbed (1608 swap) 81 will not start. We bench tested a starter and swapped it into the car. When you turn the key you get 12+ v to the solenoid and also to the starter. The solenoid clicks but the starter does not engage. This starter was bench tested and it spun.

Aside from the clicking sound at the soleniod nothing. no starter action...

Anyone ever experience this?

[bluespider262]

I've had starter issues caused by bad contact on the battery terminals even though they "look" good and clean.

Run some 40 grit over the battery studs and cable terminals and see if that helps. Good luck.

[RRoller123]

It is not an uncommon problem, sometimes referred to (in poor taste) as "the click of death". Search on this term and a lot of discussion will come up. It can be caused by a few things: The ignition switch can be intermittently faulty. There is a ton of discussion on this topic. It can also be caused by 2 inline single wire connectors that are just behind the alternator, driver's side. Clean and tighten these. It can be a loose connection at the single wire connection down at the solenoid. Low battery voltage or charge percentage can do it too. And battery connections as stated previously. Good luck, try these ideas and use the search function on the forum too!

[spider2081]

When measuring voltage on the red wire that energizes the solenoid it has to be connected to the solenoid. This makes taking the measurement rather difficult. Also measure the voltage on the 2 large posts on the solenoid with the starter engaged.

[DieselSpider]

Yes the circuit from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid is a little light considering that the solenoid can draw 10 amps to engage the starter drive gear fully into the flywheel. If the starter will engage with a jumper directly from the battery lug on the starter to the solenoid activation terminal then the connections from the ignition switch probably need attention. I like to put a relay in the engine bay to power the starter solenoid directly from the battery (using a 15 amp fuse held in-line) to lighten the load on the ignition switch and give the starter solenoid a much longer life span.

[RRoller123]

Also, check the connector just downstream from the ignition switch, maybe 6 or 8 inches down along the wires. White block 6 position housing if memory serves correct. It comes loose over time and causes odd problems. The individual connections can get corroded or become loose in the housing.

[aaalbedo]

And don't forget to check that the engine is properly grounded. Body end on my '84 grind strap looked great and tested ok with an ohmmeter, but went to open circuit under load. Next best conductor is your clutch cable which will fail quickly.

Lw

[aaalbedo]

And don't forget to check that the engine is properly grounded. Body end on my '84 ground strap looked great and tested ok with an ohmmeter, but went to open circuit under load. Next best conductor is your clutch cable which will fail quickly.

Lw