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Starter Problems

jeffmx5

New CEG'er
Joined
Oct 10, 2006
Messages
22
Location
Atlanta, GA
OK, I'm stumped.

Background: 98 SVT, purchased about 3 months ago with 118,000 miles. Had been sitting for about 18 months because it needed a clutch. New clutch and I'm good to go.

One day it wouldn't start, not even turn over. I could hear the solenoid click but nothing from the starter. I remove the starter and tested it on the ground with jumper cables and it works fine, so I put it back in and it starts right up.

About 4-6 weeks later, it won't start again. Same as before, solenoid but no starter. I follow the diagnositcs in the shop manual and replace the starter with a rebuilt unit from AutoZone.

That was about 2 weeks ago. Yesterday AM, again the soleniod clicks but no start condition. I verified 12v at the starter, 0v on the solenoid until the key is turned, then 12v. I 'tapped' the starter without success. So again I remove the starter, verify the gear is not stuck and then hook it back up and it magically works again!!!?!?!?!?!?

I suspected a short or open wire somewhere, but if the starter is getting 12v from the battery and the solenoid gets 12v when the key is turned and the soleniod trips, why isn't the starter spinning? Did I get a bad reman? Should I just go ahead and swap it out now?

:help:
 
Check wiring from battery to ground (especially the one which goes under the tray) and battery to starter.
 
The positive cable looked a little loose in the battery clamp, so I re-did it and now it starts. We'll see if the fix sticks.
 
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