Re: Starter problem with Coupe - PROBLEM SOLVED (archive)

Thanks to everyone who sent me their inputs on what to check, In addition to what I had previously checked the problem turned out to be a marginal ground, fixed the ground and everything is fine now.
Sure did not want to have to pull the starter until a through check of the system was done first.

Once again Thank You

I need some assistance on solving a starting problem, which recently occurred with my 1973 30cs (Webers);

When I try to start the car I only hear a click as if the battery is low or dead, I turned on the headlights and they are as bright as ever. I then proceeded to check the following;

Removed the battery (less than a year old) and checked the voltage and it checked OK.
Checked cables at starter and they seem to check OK (good contact)
Checked the cable from battery to starter solonoid which checked OK (good contact)
Checked the two solinoid push on wire connectors and they seem to be OK.
Checked nut that attaches solinoid to starter and it also checked OK.
Connected a remote starter switch to the solinoid and same symptoms, Solinoid clicks but starter does not engage.

I recall other checks that can be done using the wires on the solenoid, though I don't remember which two at a time, you should be able to:
1)work only the solenoid;
2)work only the starter (it should spin happily without engaging the ring gear) or
3)activate the solenoid, which engages the ring gear and activates the starter. Same as turning the ignition key.

Where do the wires feed from that are connected to the two small spade connecters on the solinoid?

It seems that my only alternative is to remove the starter (UGH) and bench check it, but before I tackle that I would like to see if other coupe owners may have some suggestions or word of wisdom on what else to check before doing this.

a)If I must remove the starter what is the easiest way to go about removing it. (what need to be removed to access the bolts and what size are those two bolts that seem buried holding the starter to the bellhousing.
b)The best approach to bench checking it.
c)A source for a new or rebuilt starter and solinoid.

I should mention that sometimes the starter does engage, seems the times it fails is when I'm out on the road somewhere and the only alternative is to start it by pushing and popping the clutch.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I apology for the lengthly message but I want to clearly explain the symptoms.

Thank you

Mike
1973 30cs

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