Regular
Posts: 89
| Hi all;
Need help diagnosing the starter problem that just hit my 58 Imperial.
I finished installing a rebuilt transmission, being careful to adjust the shifter cable for proper position to operate the neutral safety switch.
When I operate the starter switch (neutral button), I get a susbsantial "clack" as the starter solenoid engages the drive gear; however most times the starter itself does not crank. Every fourth or so try on the neutral button and the starter cranks normally and the car starts.
I replaced the starter solenoid, checked an cleaned cable connections, and checked battery voltage (12.65 volts) but no difference.
I suspect that the starter switch, vacuum and neutral safety and related wiring are OK, since the solenoid operates.
Am I looking at a suddenly bad starter, or did my transmission R&R contribute some problem.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Mark |
Expert 5K+
Posts: 8443
   
Location: Perth Australia | I am assuming that the soliniod is a part of the starter (pre-engaged type, not inertia)
If there is a mechanical problem with the engine or something in the torque converter area (bolt sticking out or something), when the pinion engages, the starter will draw a considerable amount of current (very low battery voltage and starter cable will get hot)
I doubt it will be in the trans itself as there is no direct drive to the trans when the starter is engaged, it will just slip like your in neutral at the lights ect.
If there is not a heavy current draw, you can check the output of the main soliniod contacts by putting a test light on the lower stud that has the short lead that goes into the motor itself.
When you activate the start circuit (try and start the engine) and it does not go, see if the light lights up (1 end on the stud, the other on the neg battery terminal), if it does and the engine does not turn over, the brushes are most likely worn out or stuck, if it doesnt (and its not drawing lots of current), the soliniod contacts are worn out.
Double check your cable to the engine block as well (clean, unpainted, tight connection) and that the cable itself is good.
If the earth cable (neg one) is not connected to the block properly, the engine may be trying to start through the speedo cable ect.
The pos cable to your soliniod can also do this if its faulty
You can check that by seeing if the test light stays lit when you try and crank the engine with 1 end of your test light on the top stud and the other on the battery neg (similar test as before)
A very rare but possible fault can also be that the pinion cant travel far enough and does not allow the contacts in the soliniod to make, this is an incorrect flywheel, t/c spacing
This should give you a few tests to try, a helper makes this quite quick and easy to work out
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Intermittent Starter Won't Crank
