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.

[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.

[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.

[twouvakind]

http://www.dbelectrical.com/

$60 shipped to your door, brand new 3 HP mini(just 7 pounds)with new bolts and a shim...I didn't use the shim. 1 year warranty.

[68gmsee]

A good price for a mini. I'm tempted to get one just to have it for that price.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1319-n...sdr0031-l.aspx

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by twouvakind

http://www.dbelectrical.com/

$60 shipped to your door, brand new 3 HP mini(just 7 pounds)with new bolts and a shim...I didn't use the shim. 1 year warranty.

They have good warranty too. I bought an alternator with a 1 year warranty. 2 years latter the regulator failed. I sent it in to get it fixed. They didn't charge me anything (pun not intended). Great service.

[southern parts]

clean all of the ends of the wires that go to the junction box on the passenger fender.

[coop34]

Thanks for the help guys. Pardon my ignorance, but what are the benefits of a mini starter?

[bigguy69]

Man that is great price.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Shyguy]

Originally Posted by coop34

Thanks for the help guys. Pardon my ignorance, but what are the benefits of a mini starter?

Engines that are running headers often have a problem with what is called heat soak from the headers to the stock starters causing starting problems.

The min starter is smaller and a high torque model that does not suffer from heat soak.

[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.

[gcburdic]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

A good price for a mini. I'm tempted to get one just to have it for that price.

http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1319-n...sdr0031-l.aspx

Dang...it only weighs 7.5lbs....wish I saw this before I laid under mine messing with the standard 20lber....ugh

[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.
Posted via Mobile Device

[izazzel]

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

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by southern parts

clean all of the ends of the wires that go to the junction box on the passenger fender.

You should do this. at least make shure the nut it tight
Then make shure the starter is getting 12v

[coop34]

Update: Installed the mini starter on Saturday. So far so good. Has started every time. Sounds a lot different too.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by coop34

Update: Installed the mini starter on Saturday. So far so good. Has started every time. Sounds a lot different too.

Super!

What year engine do you have and did you buy the HT SDR0031-L?

[coop34]

Yes, it was the HT SDR0031-L. I have a 5.7L TBI from a 90 Chevy 1500.

It's amazing how light these mini starters are. I thought they had sent the wrong part when I felt how light the box was!