Help please

LanceB

OK, I filled all the fluids, fixed leaks and went to press the start button. The pickup starter tried to start I could hear it pull then it paused and tried a little more, then I heard something that sounded like arc'ing, but could not find out what it was. Now there is nothing when the start button is pressed. I checked the wires and they all seem to be ok, same with the start button and key switch. The starter is a 6volt with a 12volt solenoid. How can I check to see if the started and solenoid are ok? Or do I need to have things rewired in the starter for the 12v conversion? Or is there something else I need to look at?



Thanks,

Lance

Jon B

This is sort of a lame question but....why a 12-volt solenoid? My understanding is that 12-volt wiring is of a thinner gauge than 6-volt. If this is true, then it might be that you burned out the wiring in the solenoid.



Or have you converted this thing to 12 volts? (In which case I will bow out gracefully because I know nothing about 12 volt conversions...)

LanceB

Sorry Jon, yes I did convert to 12 volt and was told that changing the solenoid to a 12 volt and using the 6 volt starter would work. Did I follow down the wrong path?

[Deleted User]

Lance



The Solenoid for a 12 volt or a 6 volt system is nothing more than a shorting bar that connects the output of the battery directly to the starter when a voltage is applied to the switch connector.



I suspect that the starter attempted to engage and then failed. To test if the solenoid is working disconnect the cable that goes to the starter from the solenoid. Then using a volt meter set to DC VOLTS... check for 12 volts at the starter side of the solenoid when the switch connection has voltage applied. The voltage at the starter side of the solenoid should go to zero when the switch voltage is removed. If these voltage measurements are achieved... the solenoid is OK.



The starter check is another thing.... I would suggest that you remove the unit and have it checked out at a local Autozone or similar parts place that offer free checkouts of customer parts. The starter should turn over easily and quite fast when 12volts is applied. I suspect that there is a short in the unit which created the ..."arching" sound you heard. If the starter fails to function... take it to your favorite starter repair house ... they should beable to fix it for you.



Good Luck ... from HOT

LanceB

Thanks Ken, will try that today.



Best regards, Lance

[Deleted User]

I suspect that you may have lost your ground at the battery post. Remove, clean & tighten & then try again. Hope this works for you.

LanceB

Thanks hudson8 but that was not the problem, it's a new battery and cables and was clean and tight. I still need to try what Ken suggested.



Thanks again

davegnh

Lance, don't discount the battery suggestion. Take the cables off and re-clean them, then retighten. It will be a cheap fix if it works--

LanceB

OK Dave I'll try anything if it's cheap fix. Thanks!

nick s

lance, with the mention of putting in fluids, is this by chance the first attempt to fire it up after detail work? If so, a good coat of paint at the starter mounting and the block ground could be hindering efforts. Be sure these are clean and use star washers and avoid using stainless fasteners.

LanceB

Yes it is the first attempt and that makes sense, I need to go look at my contact points now, thanks much.