Starting - Need Help Now!

[rdorman]

Figures, right before the Fling

No starting issues at all. I get in the car and turn the key and all I get is the cellinoid clicking. Check cables, no problem. Jump the four post Ford cellinoid between the positve and the start terminal and the same result. Try and push start the car and instead of the motor turning the rear tires lock! Jumped the car, same thing. Banged on the starter, same thing.

It has been a long time since I diagnosed this one. I am thinking starter. Thoughts?

I know the potential nasty problems.

Thanks
Rick

[G.R.]

Soleinoid just clicks? Can't push start? I had a similar problem on a Chevy many moons ago, symptoms were similar to what you describe. No problem then one day no start. The Chevy's starter had just packed it in--took me awhile to figure it out, pulled the starter took it to a parts house they load tested it--dead short it was just grounding it self out when the igniton was turned on.

I had no problem with it before, turned it off one night, next morning---click , click, click.

Sounds like your starter just packed it in. Good luck I hope you solve the problem it'd be the pits if your car was down for the Fling.

[Jim Werth]

I your rear wheels lock up when trying to push start maybe your starter maybe jammed into the flywheel. Loosen bolts on the starter and wiggle it. You should here it if it was stuck.

[trularin]

Gee Rick, is this the one you are selling?

If the rear wheels lock ( would have to believe you are trying to bump start the engine by using the rear wheels ) then there is something keeping the engine from turning over. Take a breaker bar and socket and place it on the end of the engine crank bolt and give it a little turn. if is doesn't move, you can panic. If it does move, chances are it may be a starter that has lost the nose cone or a piece of metal stuck in the flywheel.

Okay, so if the engine turns with the breaker bar, why not move it enough to losen twhat ever is jammed in the flywheel.

If it doesn't turn, you may want to pull the starter and see if it is an engine internal.

Let me know. I will help if I can.

[RICK LAKE]

rdorman Hi Rick First What gear didyou try and push start the car? Never use first gear, the wheels will just lock up ever time. BEFORE you do anything else MAKE SURE THE MOTOR SPINS!! put a breaker bar on the crank and spin the motor. If spins OK if not pull sparkplugs Motor my be hydrolocked. If spin is OK Try and push start in 2Gear if you have fuel and air it should fire up and run. Is this a gear reduction starter? It sounds like the soleiod on the starter went bad. Pull the starter and run 12 volts to the motor only and ground the case. You will get a spark but the motor should spin, if not the motor is bad. If the motor spins the solenoid is bad. You have have to get a whole starter. Some companys have parts to replace just that part. Good luck let us know. Chaplin is doing 2:00am feedings. He's a great dad. Oh get back to work. Rick Lake

[rdorman]

The car is NOT for sale! I came to my senses on that one.

First thought is that the starter packed it in. I took the day off, sick of course! I am heading out to the garage soon as this post is done.

First things first. I was going to make sure all grounds etc have good contact, check the motor rotation and then pull the starter (if it didn't rotate before, try again).

Keep ya posted!

Thanks
Rick

[rdorman]

Motor does not rotate! Pulling starter.
Rick

[rdorman]

Starter pulled. Bendix felt fine. Flywheel looks perfect. Engine rotates freely! Thank God! Test the starter with jumper cables, NOTHING. Starter packed it in!

Give that man a prize!

Off to NAPA!

Rick

[relaxinrob]

Rick,
I'm glad it was something as simple as the starter. Sure would miss seeing that gorgeous cobra of yours in person!

Rob

[PatBuckley]

If this ever happens to anyone else in the future - the engine appears to be seized - I recommend taking out the spark plugs FIRST and trying it - if for some reson you are hydrolocked and you try to turn it over you will bend a rod (s).

[rdorman]

Good advise Pat, of course I was turning it over by hand!

The starter was clearly engaged before I removed it. I had to beat it out with a pickle fork. The starter ran fine on NAPAs test bench but I am replacing it just the same.

News at 11.

Rick

[rdorman]

Starter is in. Hit the key and it immediatly lit off! Thanks for the support during this most tramatic time! Day before the Fling............

$68 out the door at NAPA for a life time warranty starter. Cheaper than I expected.

Rick

[larryar]

When they told you Cobra's would give you a thrill, you thought they meant just when driving! Love 60's technology price and ease of fixing! See you at the Fling!
Larry

[trularin]

I'll miss you at the fling, just can't do it this year.

Glad you got it fixed.

[RICK LAKE]

rdorman Rick Way to go With the starter that cheap you can have 2 beers out of the cobra fund Rick Lake Ps gald the car is running, next time push start in 2nd gear

[rdorman]

2nd gear, I will have to remember that one!

Two beers out of the Cobra fund? Nahhhhhhhhh, I told the wife the starter cost $160. Bought it hook line and sinker. He!!, beers for everyone!

Rick

[MidOHasp]

Rick, we love you.

I have tequila, too.

MMmmm... Tequila, beer, RAKI.... whoo!

What time are you going to be at the hotel? I'm trying to decide when we are going to come down.

Got the car aligned (hey...1300 miles, better late than never) today and it drives MUCH nicer!! Almost have that carb tuned up, maybe add a few more degrees of timing, the thing might run the way God intended some day.

How's your car's spa day? Did you have to delay the facial and exfoliating pore scrub because of the starter issue?

JP

[rdorman]

I will probably get to the hotels about noon. Then later go and get the car. No serious partying until probably after dinner time though. Work to do first!
Rick