Starter Clicking

[Stout72]

Having a strange starter problem. When I turn the key to start the truck, the starter goes "click" but the engine doesn't turn over. After a couple of tries, it finally kicks over and cranks the engine just fine. Most of the time it acts like this, sometimes cranking on the 2nd try, the 3rd, 4th, 5th... Once in a blue moon it cranks on the first try like it's supposed to. It's been doing this on and off for about a month now. It sounds like the solenoid is engaging the gear with the flywheel OK, but the starter motor just isn't spinning up. Haven't had the chance yet to crawl underneath and watch while someone else works the key.

I've been commuting to work on the bike, so I haven't driven the truck much this summer. Would sitting for long periods of time be a factor? Maybe it just doesn't like being ignored for so long. It's a new starter, installed just last year. I don't think it's the battery, it has plenty of umph when the starter finally decides to crank over, and it's not charging that hard after the engine starts.

Any ideas?

[smokekiki]

First check the conections at the battery.Clean the posts and tighten the clamps.

[cdowns]

and if that doesn't help get a new starter

[A.P.]

Even new starters can be bad. I installed a new started in my truck not to long ago and the solenoid fell apart.

[tyger25]

I had a clicking sound like that once, and it was the solenoid. Right now though, the whole starter is bad....lol

[progress]

If battery checks out fine it is new starter time. I have installed three in three different trucks this year! Make sure you have them check it at the parts store to make sure it is bad. Have them check the replacement starter as well...you might just save a trip.

[cwilli84]

Check the lead from the battery to the starter and make sure it isn't getting cooked against the exhaust pipe. I had it fry completely through before the starter stopped working. When I went under the truck to bypass it with a jumper cable to the starter I found the hot lead sparking off the header pipe.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Just had it happent to me not to long ago and it was a solenoid..

[jjk3]

I've got the exact same thing happening to me right now. Same exact problem. I was thinking that the contacts in the ignition switch might be corroded, but I can't seem to get the dang harness off. My starter is only 4 months old (if that) and this has only been happening for a month or so. I'm going to try and check the switch when I get a chance.

[Chevyguy111786]

Hit your starter with a hammer...No joke. It works everytime. Happened to me and my buddy was like...just hit it. I laughed and he goes...no seriously. I did and it started right up. Havent had problems since. Happened on 2 more trucks since then that i've helped with. and worked ever time.

[Stout72]

Hit it with a hammer??? Where?

[Ackattack]

I don't know how many starters I've replaced. It's the solenoid. I got the lifetime warranted ones from the parts store and just keep trading them in. I got one that last about a week. Heat from exhaust will really speed the process along too. I now have jet hot coated headers and a heat shield and still have a little problems with it.

I'm getting a hi torque mini starter when the money becomes available (building a 454 for a buddy for finance it)

[71-longbed]

if its broke use a hammer :p

id like to know where??... my reman. starter acts up once in awhile .. has a 2 year warrantee ... so i'll probaly just end up trading it in soon

[mrein3]

Originally posted by Chevyguy111786
Hit your starter with a hammer...No joke. It works everytime. Happened to me and my buddy was like...just hit it. I laughed and he goes...no seriously. I did and it started right up. Havent had problems since. Happened on 2 more trucks since then that i've helped with. and worked ever time.

That is an old service call trick I've used many times to drive rather than push or pull a car back to the shop. A couple of things about the "trick"...

DO NOT use the head of the hammer. Hold the hammer head in your hand and whack the starter body with the wood handle. A good crack from a hammer will create a good crack in a starter.

DO NOT do this once then go anywhere you can't walk home from. It is starter time. This trick will get you home once guaranteed. Twice is a gamble. Three times and you're stupid.

The "trick" works best when somebody is holding the key in the "start" position.

[boraxman]

My Toyota truck is doing the same thing. Of course it has 155,000miles on it w/no new starter so it may be time. BTW in know all the connections are good but it may need a new battery. Probably try a battery first.

[tom hand]

If the battery connections are good be sure to check the connection to the solenoid itself...I would hate to buy one when all you need is to tighten a nut

[jover]

We had the same problem, found it to be that because the headers are so close and hot it was doing it. Put a mini starter on this year(knock on wood), no problem at all this year, and also the gear reduction mini is great, you just bump the key and she's going strong

[71GMC_3/4T]

Had the same on my '92 4x4. The brushes were worn down to where the holders (plastic) were riding on the commutator. One smack (not too hard) with a hammer while someone held it in start and she fired right up. It jars the brushes enough to get them to make initial contact.
You're right, it's time for a new starter, unless you are skilled enough to change out the brushes (for all of what, $5 or so?).
Avoid those cheap rebuilt starters. You get what you pay for. I'd rather not walk...

[KEH]

I have exactly the same problem and all parts, starter battery switch, wiring, is brand new. Maybe it is a header heat problem? Is everyone else with this problem running headers?

[71GMC_3/4T]

If it's clicking, turn on your headlights and try it again. If it clicks and the headlights don't dim, it's a bad starter usually. If the headlights go out of dim significantly, it's the battery or cables usually.

[tyger25]

Oh great! My starter was acting up this morning. I hope it's not going out!