Thread: Can you tell if your starter is about to go out???

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.....Hi, Is a starter either good or bad or is there an in between??? The reason I ask is that when I turn my key all the way on to start it sometimes nothing happens. If I let off the key a little then sometimes it starts. It almost seems as if I need to 'feather' the key to get the starter to engage the flywheel.... Any ideas??? THANKS, Bill

Sounds more like a bad contact in the ignition switch.... Borrow somebody's amperage draw meter and check out your starter to rule it out. Doesn't really sound like a starter problem though.

...Thanks Dave, Is a amperage draw meter the same thing as a volt/amp meter??? I have one of those. How do I check out my starter with it??? THANKS , Bill

amp meter for DC is probably something you don't have.

However, if you have a decent volt/ohm/ meter, you can get a FLUKE ac/dc clamp on amp meter which will plug in to the meter you have.

one solution for ya: take your starter in to your local auto parts store, and they will probably have a test bench to check it for ya.

But it DOES sound like a flaky ignition switch.

Nope, The gauge I'm referring to is designed to specifically test how many amps the starter is drawing. It's inductive, ie you hold it on the cable to the starter.... Most all decent parts stores should have one under the counter to loan you or come outside and check the starter...

Drive on down to an auto parts store like AutoZone. They will wheel out a tester and it will tell you draw, charging, etc, and it's free. I thought I had a starter going out in my GF Honda, but they tested the system and I found out the battery was at the end of it's life. Saved me a whole lot of testing and replacing of needless stuff.

Don

....THANKS, I will go by Auto Zone tomorrow. But I'll also put my head under my dash and check for lose wires on the ignition switch. With all the lose nuts/bolts I've had so far that's probably what it is.... Bill

Originally Posted by billlsbird

...With all the lose nuts/bolts I've had so far that's probably what it is.... Bill

On the car or ???????

Is your key on the column?
Sometimes the rod length down to the actual switch needs adjusting.

I have a single test lead with an NO push button (Normally off) in the middle.
Works well for jumping around a switch to test things.


The original - rebuilt - starter on my Buick engine started running slow after five years or so.
I thought it was the battery going south and replaced it.
Starter ran the same.

Replaced the starter with another HD model although this time around, an American rebuild.
Engine spins over on the starter like a champ.

Along those lines, if you have a good HD starter core, it may pay to have the local starter/alternator/generator guy rebuild it for you.
Better components most times and for sure, pride of workmanship.

I had what sounds like same problem on my Jeep Cherokee, and it was a switch on the transmission. I don't know if yours is on a HotRod or a civilian car. If its a HotRod, would not be the problem.

Jack

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

On the car or ???????

.....LOL, good one Dave, I sure set myself for that one, huh??? Bill

Originally Posted by C9x

Is your key on the column?
Sometimes the rod length down to the actual switch needs adjusting.

I have a single test lead with an NO push button (Normally off) in the middle.
Works well for jumping around a switch to test things.


The original - rebuilt - starter on my Buick engine started running slow after five years or so.
I thought it was the battery going south and replaced it.
Starter ran the same.

Replaced the starter with another HD model although this time around, an American rebuild.
Engine spins over on the starter like a champ.

Along those lines, if you have a good HD starter core, it may pay to have the local starter/alternator/generator guy rebuild it for you.
Better components most times and for sure, pride of workmanship.

.....THANKS C9x, no it's not on the column, it's in the bottom of the dash extender. Really easy to check the connections..... I don't remember who made the starter as I bought it around 15 or so years ago but it's spend 98% of it's life sitting doing nothing. It's one of those light weight, high torque starters. I'm thinking may be it was the one Summit makes??? Oh, and the battery is a brand new Optima.. Thanks again, Bill

....Mopar Jack, It's a Hot Rod, '32 Ford. Thanks for your input though! Bill