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TR2/3/3A More electrical....the Starter?

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K

karls59tr

Obi Wan
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Quite frequently when I try to start the car there is a hesitation from the starter...like there is a build up then it finally catches and the car starts. I did find one source of the problem that being the cable from the solenoid at the starter was loose. I tightened that up and thought I had the problem solved. Still had the problem occasionally. Then I discovered that the positive battery post ,made out of that soft metal ,was just about split in half probably from over tightening. Replaced the post but still experience the same issue now and again. The battery has 12 volts and the alternator is charging it. Is it possible the starter itself is the problem? Is there a test I can do on it?
 
What exactly do you mean by a "build-up"? Does it start to spin for a few seconds and then begin cranking the engine? Or do you mean that nothing happens for a few seconds, then the starter kicks in and start the car?

If the former, it's probably not an electrical problem, but a problem with the starter gear. If the latter, it could be a lot of things--I'd start by putting a voltmeter on the starter solenoid and make sure it's getting power.

Overtightening should not damage the battery post. How do you replace a battery post?
 
I meant the battery post clamp not the post itself. I must have over tightened the clamp. The starter seems to slowly build up momentum for a couple revolutions then kicks in. Other times it kicks in right away.
 
That slow build up, might be because of the ignition timing too advanced..Try retarding it a few degrees and see if the starter takes off at full speed.
 
I'm thinking the solenoid is acting up. Dirty contacts either internally or externally.
 
I'm thinking the bendix on the starter. Takes the starter spinning a little before it moves and engages the flywheel.
 
Maybe a better description is: Turn key...starter pauses for 3 seconds....cranks... pauses for one second...catches and starts. Sometimes it fires right upon first turn of key.
 
I'd put a voltmeter or test lamp on the starter's electrical connection point. Try to start it. If the solenoid clicks but there is no voltage, it's probably bad. If there is no click at all, probably the ignition switch or a loose connection at the switch or solenoid. If there is voltage at the starter but it doesn't turn, make sure the connection to the starter is clean and tight, and if so, you'll need a new starter.
 
With a big wire you shunt the relay you touch the + on the battery ( assuming is neg earth ) and the output of the relay. If the starter run directly strongly you have a problem with the relay ( a starter use the 12 v but have a high current surge at the start, a starter cable can be used ). You have certainly 12v everywhere on the connections but can the connections deliver a surge of 400 amps at the start if the connection is not strong.
I had a problem similar with my relay ( a square one ) I drilled the pops and cleaned inside with fine paper, I even drilled a little hole in the lid ( protected by tape now ) so a simple push with a plastic rod will start the starter if one day the relay fail.
 
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