[Spridgets] turn the key, and - click!

[Steven Michelsen]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.  Here is where I am at:


I confirmed (I hope) that the starter motor is not stuck, by putting the 
car in 4th and pushing it backwards about 5 feet.  I could hear the 
engine turning over as I pushed it.  I also turned the square bolt at 
the end of the starter motor - it turned freely.


I cleaned the neg battery cable connection to the firewall.  The other 
three - the pos and neg battery terminals, and the pos connection at the 
solenoid, were looked at when I replaced the solenoid.  All is good 
there.


As fas as I know, I have a "regular" starter.  It is not original - 
dated 1997.


Still nothing but that CLICK.  


I will put the battery on a charger and try again tonight or tomorrow.  
Any further input/ideas/theories are greatly appreciated.

On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 01:31 PM, CosmicMag1380 wrote:


In addition to the other good advice, I would start by charging the new 
battery first. You should charge a new one to capacity prior to 
"flashing" it for the first time. All that means is start with a 
completely charged battery before putting a heavy load on it. Since you 
have already cranked it until it slowed down, it probably did not have a 
full charge right off the shelf.

Also check to see if the starter pinion is stuck in the ring gear. It 
may not have retracted after the final cranking attempt. That would 
cause a clicking sound... Just put the car in neutral and turn the 
engine by hand to see if it is stuck.

Kent


On Thu, Sep 21, 2017 at 11:12 PM, Steven Michelsen via Spridgets 
<spridgets at autox.team.net <mailto:spridgets at autox.team.net> > wrote:
It's been an awful long time since I've posted, and even longer since my 
(formerly) reliable 1500 Midget has given me any trouble at all.  But 
now I have a small challenge...



The other day I tried to start it for the first time in many months, 
using a brand new battery.  First, it cranked and cranked, slowing down 
as it tried to start.  Next time - nothing.  Just a solid CLICK.  I 
mistakenly took this to mean that I needed a new solenoid, which I 
bought and installed.  That wasn't the answer.  I turn the key and get a 
solid CLICK.  The battery is still good - lights and such work fine.



My question is, what's the next step to diagnose this?



Thanks,

Steve

1978 Midget

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-- 

Kent
1960 Bugeye
1983 Garage full of spridget parts!
2010 Arrow shed full of excess spridget parts!!!
 



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