starter problem?

[534BC]

Install a test light or voltmeter temorarily to the starter terminal and verify voltage when key is turned to start. It will point either downstream or upstream if you know what I mean. It has to be acting up of course and can be exagerrated by removing coil power or some other way to disable engine from starting so that it cranks a long time.

You can also install a jumper switch on the starter posts to bypass all the other circuitry, key, swithes ect. This will also point to starter or "other" Again it must be acting up to diagnose.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by zachzchw

Could it be my ignition switch? When I turn the key, I hear a clicking sound, and sometimes an electrical sounding hum type sound, but the hum isnt there all the time.

My lights all work fine, and my normal dummy lights on the gauge panel come on when the key is turned forward, just like normal.

Ignition switch for sure.

[Brian R.]

Best test for starter function is current draw when cranking the engine. I don't know the specs for your starter, but my personal rule of thumb is anything over 300 amps is bad. I have seen 450-amp draws from bad starters. Bad solenoid contacts are hard to diagnose for sure, but you don't have to replace the starter to replace those, just the contacts can be removed and replaced.

[Markgc]

The cranking current sounds like the best thing to measure. What method or piece of equipment do you use to measure that current?


Mark

[Brian R.]

An induction ammeter. It surrounds the battery cable (like a loose pinch clamp) to the starter and plugs into a multimeter. You read current as millivolts.



http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fl...lampmeters.htm

There is a stand-alone type also where you read amps directly, but most people have a multimeter - the add-on clamp type is cheaper.

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fl...lampmeters.htm

A Fluke is way too expensive. Radio Shack probably has a working system for 1/10th the price of a Fluke.

[zachzchw]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Ignition switch for sure.

I searched around for ignition switch, I dont have the stalling out problem, or the lack of lights.
Can the ignition switch be tested?
I cant afford to dump money into this thing without knowing for sure what it is.