Starter/solenoid problem

[Mik in VT]

In the process of trying to adjust the side-mount distributor to get my "52 8N to start (whole other issue! - but one step at a time), I seem to have cranked the brand new starter to death. I admit, I was working it repeatedly for 30+ sec at a time. Now, when I press the starter button, all I get is a rapid clicking/buzz from the solenoid. I replaced the solenoid to see if that was the issue, but the new one does exactly the same thing. Can somebody please tell me what I"ve done and how I can fix it? P.S. Battery is new and fully charged.

 

[Rustysalmon]

I dont know what you did, but when I was having starter/solenoid problems i disconnected the starter from the tractor put it in a vice took off the solenoid and just used the battery to see if i could get it to spin. If it spins and spins well i would think that your starter is okay.

Just my two cents, Rusty.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would think if your getting noise that means you have a bad connection or weak battery.

 

[Dell (WA)]

Mik......amazingly enuff, the 3-terminal starter solenoid is bullet-proof ...but... NOT LOW VOLTS proof. That is what is causing yer clickin'n'buzzin'. Yer BATTERY is low-charged ...or... yer battery posts are corroded and need cleaning with wirebush. ........Dell

 

[corvetteguy]

I bought a solenoid from
NAPA a few years ago and
it clicked from day one. The
starter does however turn over
even with the clicking.

While I admit that my battery is
aging I am sure that they do not
make a good quality solenoid for
6 volts.

I will eventually look to the forum
sponsors to buy a new one.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

It doesn't matter how new or how "fully charged" you think the battery might be. Click on tip # 49 for info on how to check out the battery.

Assuming the battery is good, jump the starter to rule that out. See tip # 43 for the safe way to do that.

In order of probability, you have:

1. Bad/poor/dirty grounds
2. Weak battery
3. Bad cables
4. Bad solenoid (jump it to see)
5. Bad starter.
50 Tips