[Spridgets] turn the key, and - click!

[Allen Hefner]

I say to replace the grounding strap from the engine to the chassis. Mine
was a mess so I replaced it and most of the electrical demons disappeared.
It is near the front, bottom as I remember. The original strap was braided
wire, but any short battery cable should work. A lot of power goes thru the
starter and it has to get back to the battery somehow.

Allen Hefner
Norristown, PA

*Current:*
2006 Chebbie
2016 Subaru Outfront
*Former:*
1963 Sunbeam Alpine Series III
1967 Triumph TR4A IRS
1964 VW Type I
1967 VW Type II
1967 Rover 2000TC
1977 MG Midget


On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 1:50 PM, Steven Michelsen via Spridgets <
spridgets at autox.team.net> wrote:

> 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> 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
>> ------------------------
>>
>> spridgets at autox.team.net
>>
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>>
>
>
>
> --
> Kent
> 1960 Bugeye
> 1983 Garage full of spridget parts!
> 2010 Arrow shed full of excess spridget parts!!!
>
>
>
> ------------------------
>
> spridgets at autox.team.net
>
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