Starter Prob-'49.

Unknown

If it's not one thing, it's another. Now it is starter problem time. When I rebuilt the motor, I tore down the starter, replaced the brushes and gave it an overall cleaning. Keep in mind it was working before I tore it apart. Anyway, fast forward to tonight, when I was getting ready to start the engine for the first time. The only thing I can get out of the starter is a click of the solenoid. In other words, when I press the starter button on the dash, all that happens is the solenid pops and the little switch goes down. The starter does not spin or engage etc.



Right now I have it all apart on my bench, looking for someting that might be grounded or what not. Any suggestions from some veterans out there? I know it is something very simple and I am just missing it. The fact that I have a late year cold and I am high on alka seltzer cold medicine is not helping things.

[Deleted User]

Hi Dennis---It sounds to me like your current problem is with the battery. Have you checked it out?

[Deleted User]

1. Did you bench test the starter before you put it in? If it worked on the bench, that makes a big difference on the troubleshooting. If you did not, I would suspect a brush did not engage the armature due to something hanging it up.

SuperDave

Use a jumper cable to go from the battery directly to the starter conection to bypass the solenoid. This will tell you if the starter is the problem by eliminating the solenoid and connections. ....Assuming the battery and it's connections are good. Make sure it's out of gear!

Dave w.

Jon B

Another possibility is the battery cable connections (see the DIES AND WILL NOT RESTART thread). This is indicated especially if, when you hit the starter button, the idiot lights dim greatly. A quick cleaning of the cable terminals would set things to rights.