Re: starter or solenoid problem?

Posted by HH56 On 2018/5/5 22:08:19

Which starter and solenoid do you have -- a small solenoid with 3 terminals, small terminal being on the top of the solenoid and large on either side or the large solenoid that has a lever on one end which moves the pinion and all terminals on the other end? Small solenoid is inertial Bendix drive starter, large solenoid is the pinion shift starter. There is a bit more involved with the pinion shift type and if the plunger is sticking and not retracting the pinion that could account for some noise and also no action from the starter if the electrical contact is not being made.

In either case, the start command is at the small terminal so I would get a volt meter and measure that terminal to ground when you turn the ign switch and try to start. If there is no voltage at the terminal (and assuming the Ultramatic safety switch is good) and no action at all at the solenoid there is a probability it is the ign switch. The 54-56 key start type switches are noted for the start contacts flaking out or becoming intermittent -- particularly when used with the the large solenoid. In addition to not making contact intermittently, the contacts inside the switch can also stick and keep the solenoid and starter energized which frequently results in the starter being damaged from overrunning.

If the small terminal has voltage but solenoid has no clicks or movement then solenoid is a likely problem. If the solenoid clicks or moves but motor does not turn then it is a process of elimination to see if voltage is being applied to the motor from the solenoid. If there is voltage at the large terminal out to motor and no action then it is probably the starter but if no voltage comes out of the solenoid then it is the most likely problem.

The large solenoids can usually be rebuilt, the small ones only replaced.