starter woes

Kube

Kube

Super Moderator
Hi ya guys.
Got the engine to start easily and smooth out quickly. After a few days of this, the starter no longer turns the engine over.
6.4 at the battery, 6.3 at the starter. All grounds are super clean.
Found the starter that was in the car to turn over on the bench slow enough to count the revolutions. Found another that spins quite well.
Installed the "good" starter. Push the rod down, turned for a few seconds and stopped. Hmm?
Engine turns easily by hand.
Thought maybe, just maybe, a bad ground between the engine and frame. Attempted to add an extra ground and get a couple of sparks. More "hmm"? Plus, adding the ground makes the starter spin.
Okay, stop laughing! Nah, it's okay, I deserve it.
What the heck am I missing?
In advance, thank you guys.
 
Are you using the same switch? How do they spin out of the car with no switch, directly connected to a fully charged battery? Just thought, “maybe your battery took a crap”.Have it checked.
 
Chuck Sea/Tac said:
Are you using the same switch? How do they spin out of the car with no switch, directly connected to a fully charged battery? Just thought, “maybe your battery took a crap”.Have it checked.
Click to expand...

Battery tested and it's a good one.
This starter spun nicely out of the engine.
 
You have power going to ground [short] somewhere. A ground from frame to engine/transmission is a good thing, or should be a good thing. You are picking up power somewhere you shouldn't be.
 
Make certain your spark is retarded. If not retarding enough it may try to kick back or make it hard to start. Disregard if your positive it's where it should be. Just want to make sure all bases are covered.

The starter may have an injury in the field or armature that is heat related. As soon as it starts heating up a cracked wire can open up and break the circuit. This stuff happens even though it's not all that common. Armatures can sling the solder that connects the windings to the commutator if it gets hot. Obviously something isn't right but finding it can be a challenge at times.
 
Patrick L. said:
You have power going to ground [short] somewhere. A ground from frame to engine/transmission is a good thing, or should be a good thing. You are picking up power somewhere you shouldn't be.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. But where? That's the $64k question!

There are not that many wires in this car :)

I'll get it....
 
Start by disconnecting everything, including the starter switch. Hook up the ground to the battery, with ground to frame and engine (transmission). Then use your voltmeter to measure the voltage to the starter switch from the hot side of the battery. It should be zero. If not then there is a path to ground in the switch. If OK then hook up the hot lead from the battery to the switch. Then do the same thing with the rest of the wires (measure to see if there is a voltage and if there is then find the path to ground (short)). Shorts can be anywhere. The headlight connectors are one typical place. Also a short to the tank from the ignition switch.
 
nkaminar said:
Start by disconnecting everything, including the starter switch. Hook up the ground to the battery, with ground to frame and engine (transmission). Then use your voltmeter to measure the voltage to the starter switch from the hot side of the battery. It should be zero. If not then there is a path to ground in the switch. If OK then hook up the hot lead from the battery to the switch. Then do the same thing with the rest of the wires (measure to see if there is a voltage and if there is then find the path to ground (short)). Shorts can be anywhere. The headlight connectors are one typical place. Also a short to the tank from the ignition switch.
Click to expand...

This IS tomorrow's project. Thank you so much!
 
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