Jumping the starter solenoid

[coop34]

If I can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver, does that eliminate the starter and solenoid as the culprit for the truck not turning over?

Very often my truck will not start. I will turn the key and nothing happens until I give the solenoid a slight "bump" with a screwdriver. Then she fires right up. I have changed the solenoid, but not the starter. I have also changed the ignition switch and pigtail.

[Shyguy]

Do you have an automatic transmission with the neutral safety switch.

[coop34]

Yes have AT with NSS, which was replaced as well.

[68gmsee]

There's probably a flat spot on the starter or a defective drive asm. The bushings get worn and since the clearances are extremely close between the armature and windings it will cause the starter to basically stay in one spot. Usually a few bumps will clear it but it will get worse.

Swap the complete starter/solenoid as a unit. Auto Zone sells them for around $45-$50 and will save you headaches.

[coop34]

Thanks 68 GMSee. Somebody had told me that if I am able to jump the solenoid, then the starter is fine. Guess, he was wrong.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by coop34

Thanks 68 GMSee. Somebody had told me that if I am able to jump the solenoid, then the starter is fine. Guess, he was wrong.

No, he wasn't necessarily wrong. If you hadn't replaced the solenoid already I'd recommend that first. I went through the same exact problem on my 68 and decided to just go get another starter complete with warranty. In the past I've replaced brushes, driver assemblies, taken the solenoid apart and polished the bronze washer and contacts and even taking them in for repair. But for the price of a complete one these days it's better to just replace it as a complete unit and be done with it. Life is too short -at least for me.

It takes about 1 hour to remove and replace the starter. 1½ if you have a cold beer sitting close by.

[richards72chevy]

Im having the same problem.I replaced the starter and solenoid as a unit and my ignition switch.Im going to replace the pigtail and nss to see if that is the problem.Mine started out like yours then got so bad i just had wire up a push button.

[bigguy69]

Man that is great price.
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[coop34]

Purchased the mini from debelectric. Worth a shot for $60 to my door. Thanks for the help guys. I'll let you know if this solves my problem.

[67chevemall]

Geeeez that is cheap...I paid $250 for the CVR one

Awsome upgrade though...heat soak is a BIG PITA

[glowworm_76039]

On the same note, what if the solenoid does nothing when arced with a screwdriver? My 69 stopped starting this morning. Since the starter dragged anyway, I replaced the starter solenoid and the positive battery cable. The solenoid isn't making any noise when I turn the key or when I try to arc it. I have a good hot battery, and I see a little spark when arcing but the solenoid doesn't even click. Any ideas?

[72chevyk10]

sounds like a dead battery. does it do the same thing when jump starting it?

[glowworm_76039]

Truck does same thing with jump and battery's fully charged. gauges work on the dash, I can see batt gauge draw down when I turn the key.
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[izazzel]

might want to check the ground side from block to the battery