hit and miss cranking

[nutt7]

I was running errands today and my burb was doing fine. Then at the last stop, it would not crank. All accessories and lights worked. Cables were tight, and when attempting to crank the dash lights even dimmed a tiny bit like it was drawing current somewhere. So I walked home, utilized the search on CK5, headed out with multimeter, wire, crimpers etc. to check where power is/isn't. Mainly I was going to check the fusible links.

Just for kicks I attempted to start it before probing around and it fired right up, no hesitation, no slow crank, fired up as intended.

In the past (twice in a year) it would do this, but on the second attempt it would always start.

Any ideas what could give these inconsistent results? I don't mind problems, I just wish they were consistent!

BTW, battery connections are good and clean, starter wire age is unknown but doesn't *feel* bad, somebody crimped (poorly, some wire exposed) one of the wires at the starter. If the fusible link went out, would I lose power to my accessories?

Thanks!

 

[gotblazers]

new starter?

 

[Fordum]

I know you were not listening, but did you hear the starter solenoid click?
And how much did the lights dim?

If the solenoid did not click, but the lights dimmed slightly, and the wires are good, than its likely a bad solenoid.
They can be replaced separately, but nowadays, you usually replace both it and the starter as one.

If you don't mind trying to trade some work for money, you could pull the battery ground for safety, and then take all the wires going to the starter loose and examine the connections and studs they hook to.
If you find a dirty connection, or one that looks like it has been arcing internally or gotten hot, you may have found the trouble and might not have to buy a new starter.

On the other hand, if you find a loose stud, or nothing wrong with the connections, then you will probably wind up replacing the starter anyway.

The lights dimming would point to starter or solenoid problems.

However, don't forget the safety. Either the neutral switch on the automatic tranny, or the clutch on a stick.
One of them would cause it not to crank, but would not cause the lights to dim.

 

[nutt7]

I know you were not listening, but did you hear the starter solenoid click?
And how much did the lights dim?

If the solenoid did not click, but the lights dimmed slightly, and the wires are good, than its likely a bad solenoid.
They can be replaced separately, but nowadays, you usually replace both it and the starter as one.

If you don't mind trying to trade some work for money, you could pull the battery ground for safety, and then take all the wires going to the starter loose and examine the connections and studs they hook to.
If you find a dirty connection, or one that looks like it has been arcing internally or gotten hot, you may have found the trouble and might not have to buy a new starter.

On the other hand, if you find a loose stud, or nothing wrong with the connections, then you will probably wind up replacing the starter anyway.

The lights dimming would point to starter or solenoid problems.

However, don't forget the safety. Either the neutral switch on the automatic tranny, or the clutch on a stick.
One of them would cause it not to crank, but would not cause the lights to dim.

I was listening, there was no click. The lights were dimming a noticeable amount, but not severely. I will have to inspect the starter solenoid and connections...I keep thinking it's that poorly crimped wire...it may have let moisture and dirt in there enough to cause issues. I am fairly skilled at wiring so I will probably re-do it

 

[gt1009]

I'm thinking that it's a solenoid. Had the same thing happen with mine. An easy way to tell is if it does that again and the lights dim like it's trying to start, smack the starter solenoid (small cylinder on top of the main starter motor) a couple times with a hammer. Then try to start it. If it starts, drive to napa and buy a new starter. If it still doesn't, check your wires.

 

[BoondocK5]

I'll have someone attempt to start the offending vehicle while I gently massage the starter with a BFH. If it starts after being "massaged" time for a new starter.

 

[nutt7]

I'm thinking that it's a solenoid. Had the same thing happen with mine. An easy way to tell is if it does that again and the lights dim like it's trying to start, smack the starter solenoid (small cylinder on top of the main starter motor) a couple times with a hammer. Then try to start it. If it starts, drive to napa and buy a new starter. If it still doesn't, check your wires.

I'll have someone attempt to start the offending vehicle while I gently massage the starter with a BFH. If it starts after being "massaged" time for a new starter.

Excellent tips...I will stash a hammer in the burb just in case. I am a math teacher and sometimes I have to hit my students with a hammer to get them to work...I guess this makes sense too, should've thought of that

 

[folkenheath]

Bring a screwdriver too, if the solenoid is bad and it goes all the way out, you can use that to jump across the terminals and start the truck. Just keep your hands away from any moving or hot parts, be careful.

 

[4xcrazy]

Headers??

I had a similar problem a long time ago with a car I had headers on, heated up the starter from time to time, not sure why it didn't do it all the time, maybe the solenoid was going bad or something, but after it would cool down, it would fire right up.