Starting issues - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**BC10** · 07-31-2016, 10:48 PM

Just recently, my truck has been having issues starting.

When I turn the ignition on, the engine makes a grinding noise when it turns a few inches, makes a light electrical buzzing noise, but then gets stuck.

If I turn the key and keep the ignition going, the same buzzing noise occurs but the engine will slowly turn a little, grind, stop, and this repeats itself, but the engine will not start.

Occasionally when I I turn the ignition on I will hear a little "Rat tat tat" sound as well.

After about twenty tries the truck starts, and when the engine is warmed up it has no issues starting thereafter.

My battery is fully charged.
The previous owner installed a Ford starter solenoid (which I replaced two years ago) that is mounted to the fender.
I am no mechanic, but is this more likely an electrical or mechanical issue?
Maybe I need a new starter, or something is wrong with the flywheel?

Any input is much appreciated! Thanks!

**special-K** · 08-01-2016, 04:38 AM

Could be low voltage to starter. I've had an issue where it was the neutral safety switch was bad. I was stumped till I remembered the circuit runs through that from the switch to the starter. Check all connections as well.

custom10nut · 08-01-2016, 09:30 AM

Check your grounds. I fixed mine when I had this issue, by running the battery negative cable to the inboard starter bolt. Your PO fixed yours with another method. The "clicking" you hear could be one of two things. The solenoid is getting bad, or its just not getting enough voltage to engage.

**BC10** · 08-01-2016, 04:00 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. Will trouble shoot tonight and give an update. Keep the ideas coming! Thanks!

**BC10** · 08-04-2016, 02:17 AM

After trouble shooting a bunch of things, I hate to admit it, it turned out to be an old battery. (Only three years old!)

Although I was always able to fire her up in the past, she stopped working entirely yesterday, even though I had charged over night.

Whipped out my battery tester and confirmed that the battery had pooped out on me.

After installing a new battery, she fires up like a bat out of hell!

Thanks for all the help!

07-31-2016, 10:48 PM	#1
BC10 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 493	Starting issues Just recently, my truck has been having issues starting. When I turn the ignition on, the engine makes a grinding noise when it turns a few inches, makes a light electrical buzzing noise, but then gets stuck. If I turn the key and keep the ignition going, the same buzzing noise occurs but the engine will slowly turn a little, grind, stop, and this repeats itself, but the engine will not start. Occasionally when I I turn the ignition on I will hear a little "Rat tat tat" sound as well. After about twenty tries the truck starts, and when the engine is warmed up it has no issues starting thereafter. My battery is fully charged. The previous owner installed a Ford starter solenoid (which I replaced two years ago) that is mounted to the fender. I am no mechanic, but is this more likely an electrical or mechanical issue? Maybe I need a new starter, or something is wrong with the flywheel? Any input is much appreciated! Thanks!

08-01-2016, 04:38 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Starting issues Could be low voltage to starter. I've had an issue where it was the neutral safety switch was bad. I was stumped till I remembered the circuit runs through that from the switch to the starter. Check all connections as well. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-01-2016, 09:30 AM	#3
custom10nut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: East Tn (In the heart of the Smoky Mtns) Posts: 1,882	Re: Starting issues Check your grounds. I fixed mine when I had this issue, by running the battery negative cable to the inboard starter bolt. Your PO fixed yours with another method. The "clicking" you hear could be one of two things. The solenoid is getting bad, or its just not getting enough voltage to engage.

08-01-2016, 04:00 PM	#4
BC10 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 493	Re: Starting issues Thanks for all the suggestions thus far. Will trouble shoot tonight and give an update. Keep the ideas coming! Thanks!

08-04-2016, 02:17 AM	#5
BC10 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 493	Re: Starting issues After trouble shooting a bunch of things, I hate to admit it, it turned out to be an old battery. (Only three years old!) Although I was always able to fire her up in the past, she stopped working entirely yesterday, even though I had charged over night. Whipped out my battery tester and confirmed that the battery had pooped out on me. After installing a new battery, she fires up like a bat out of hell! Thanks for all the help!



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