Starter Problems

I'm having some starter problems on my '70 CJ5, V6. I changed the original Prestolite starter with a remanufactured Delco from NAPA. The new starter will not turn over all of the time and usually have to turn the key several times to get it going. I get a clicking sound and some dimming of the instrument panel lights when it doesn't turn over. Does this sound like a bad solenoid on the starter, starter gear not engaging correctly or not enough voltage to the solenoid. The FSM recommends upping the the wire size to the solenoid when changing to a Delco starter, which I did not do. I also did not use any shims when installing the new starter. Any ideas where the problem might be?

 

The delco starter solenoid does require a good bit of current to activate. I suggest you add another 12 or 10 gauge wire along with what is there from your ign sw to the solenoid. Can't hurt and may cure your prob.

 

Sounds like a power supply problem. Check grounds for corrosion and cleanliness. What gauge wire are you running to the starter? If too small it's possible not enough power is getting through. Why did you change starters? What was the issue before changing? Possibly related? Is the battery fully charged and in good shape?

 

Agree, sounds like a voltage issue - i had similar issues with my old chevy pickup - not enough voltage to the starter, and actually after a while, the brass contacts in the solenoid actually "welded" themselves together.... was a mess....i would say go bigger in your wire...cant hurt. good Luck!

 

The existing wire from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid is the stock 16 gauge for the Prestolite starter. I'll go ahead and change that to either the recommended 12 gauge or 10 gauge. I changed the previous Prestolite because it would not stay engaged, different problem than what I now have. The battery is fully charged. Once the solenoid engages the starter it turns over fine. Thanks for all of the advice!

 

You guys were right on the money. I ran a parallel 12 gauge wire from the starter solenoid to the connector on the engine side of the firewall. I run another wire to the starter switch later. So far the starter turns over every time. Thanks for the good advice.