Whacking The Starter!!

When whacking the starter with the end of a broomstick makes it work...what does that usually mean? Starter? Solenoid? Brushes?

The starter seems to not work about 10% of the time, but if I give it a good firm poke with the end of a broomstick, it will work. A friend told me to try the broomstick trick, but before I go out and buy a new starter, I wanna' make sure there's not a cheaper solution.

By the way, it's starting to take an even harder whack these days. In the beginning it only took one good poke. Now it takes several really good pokes!

Thanks!

It usually means the heavy duty internal contacts are burnt, dirty, or nearly worn out-lots of times you could tear it apart and sand them down and be happy. Typically, they can't transfer the amps necessary to turn the starter motor- I have done it to my truck - 454 Dually- about a year ago- I had to do it about 3 different times- and haven't done it since. My '94 Astro, I had to do it twice in the last 6 months- so as you can see it can get worse, or it can nearly resolve itself. My dually is only used maybe once in two weeks, my van gets started 5 or 6 times a day.

Oh by the way, I use a crowbar to tap on it while someone else holds the key in the start position- usually just takes one good tap. I will replace it when it gets to be a real problem...If you really don't want to get stuck- then it would be good to replace it-- I tap on it primarily to use that as a diagnostic tool- so I know exactly what needs to be fixed in the start system....then I'll decide what to do about it- right now- do to money contraints, the crowbar is under the seat...

Put a new starter on it and be done with it.

before replacing starter check the wire to the solenoid on top very bad for poor connection.they usually are worse in cold weather (METAL AND CONNECTORS SHRINK) IF U HAVE, TO REPLACE PUSH CONNECTOR.hitting the casing usually breaks the the guts inside. failing this replace brushes inside and clean