wont turn

[c10 custom]

hi guys i have a 1978 gmc 1 ton truck 350 engine it wont turn over i replaced the starter solenoid but i think its the starter the solenoid just clicked before when you tried to turn it over the lights on the dash come on so im guessing the ignition switch is good and never tried clutch switch any help would be great thank you

[Zane M]

Likely the starter.

On a side note, I always replace them together. I figure you have to drop the starter anyway, and if one or the other is bad, the other part probably doesn't have much life left either.

[mopar346]

First off make sure the engine turns, then I would make sure I am getting 12 volts to the solenoid (make sure the battery is good). I would make sure the drive gear is not binding with the flywheel (loosen the starter bolts temporarily will ensure against binding). After that I would remove the starter and bench test it (warning: Danger Will Robinson) take a set of jumper cables and hook the negative to the starter housing and with your fingers and toes well out of the way of the bendix and drive gear, hook the postive to the battery lug, hook the other end to a battery and then cross the solenoid with a screw driving or remote trigger. It should kick out and spin, if it don't it's bad. Pretty simple system, power and ground makes the starter motor turn if it meshes with the flywheel it will make the engine spin over.

Hope that helps, good luck.

[bilfman]

Dash lights and click could mean a pooched battery, just give it a boost. Might save some time tear apart time.

[motornut]

check where the gear slides out
seen rust/dirt kept it from coming out properly
if you take it out,
try removing the cap over the solenoid sometimes the contacts can be turned and reused

[James McClure]

From an OLD time Chevy mechanic. Hook up a booster and try it, no go? OK, whack the starter motor with a hammer while someone turns the key. If it goes, replace the starter assembly or rebuild it yourself. Of course, check all the basics first. Clean and tight cconnections and power to the purple wire at the starter when you turn the key, ect. jim

[bigbeardedbastard]

also check the wires going to the posts.....i recently changed the solenoid on mine and due to the part being aftermarket the ignition terminal was opposite of the old one.....i was an idiot and instead of testing all the terminals, i ripped apart the dash and column to replace the ignition module that didnt need to be replaced at all. so after a new redtop optima, all new cables and ignition module, it was a simple as switching the terminals lol