Starter/Flywheel
 

I havent driven or even started my truck in about a month. I've got all of the juice in the world but I cant even get the starter to turn over. I checked the wires and they seem tight and correct. Considering I have never messed with it before, is it possible that a starter could go bad just sitting? Any ideas on waking it up and troubleshooting this problem?

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

Do you hear the solenoid kicking in? A flat rate trick is to use a hammer to bang on it, starter, then sometimes it will start. Don't beat the heck out of it but give it a couple of good raps

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

I dont hear anything. I'll try the tapping tomarrow though. Could there be a dead spot on the flywheel?

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

Do what qksilver said. Im betting that your brushes are stuck from sitting. If you had a flat spot in the flywheel it wouldnt keep the starter from spinning...

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

Good point cornfed. Other thing is maybe I should get the starter rebuilt huh. Maybe just to keep up with it. It's the original so that would be kinda nice. I already had the original alternator rebuilt.

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

Yeah, try tapping on it, preferably with somebody trying to start the truck at the same time. That used to work for us every now and then. Just be careful about it!

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

Usually when the brushes get worn they will stick. Sometimes you only get one or two tries & the tapping trick doesnt work anymore. Even if you dont rebuild it I would at least put a new set of brushes in it.

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

With the truck in "park or neutral" use a screwdriver to jump the solenoid, go from the "Bat" terminal(+ from the battery) to the "Sol" purple wire. this will bypass all wireing in the dash. If this doesnt work then you have either starter or battery connection troubles.

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

With the old hammer trick I always tell people two things.
1. Hit the starter with the wood handle of the hammer. That starter nose is fragile. Give it a whack while somebody has the key in the start position.
2. If #1 works, drive to the auto parts store and buy a new starter/solenoid. (Or rebuild yours if you know what you are doing)

Re: Starter/Flywheel
 

You need to know if you are getting power through the purple wire to the solenoid. The hammer trick is usually when you hear the solenoid engaging but the starter wont spin, do to stuck brushes