Tech Question for everyone

I'm trying to troubleshoot the starter system for a friend's 5.0 The starter does not spin, but the solenoid does click

We've already replaced the starter, since I thought that was the issue.

-There is 12V on the solenoid when the ignition is in "start"
-There is 12V at the starter terminal with the ignition on "start"
-I checked the resistance of both the cable from the battery to the solenoid and the solenoid to the starter, neither resistance was high.

Boosting the car did nothing

We push started the car, managed to get it running, and the alternator runs well (~13V at the battery terminals)

The battery is new as well

My only guess is the new starter he bought is a POS, but that is a longshot.

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance

 

I'm not sure I can help at all, I was thinking maybe there's a problem with the switch on the clutch to keep it from starting when the clutch is engaged? or if it's an automatic keep it from starting unless it's in neutral or park? (I assume they have something like that)

But then it doesnt make sense for that to be the problem if there's 12V on the starter when its in "start". kinda leeds me back to the starter being the problem since you know the engine will run.
sorry for the rant, but you've done everything that I can think of to troubleshoot. good luck figuring it out.

 

the neutral start safety switch is what you're thinking of Andy.

Steve- what kind of starter is it? Is it a good one like a PA performance piece or a parts store re-manned unit? When I worked at a garage we actually had LOTS ofl parts store generic brand starters (and alternators) that indeed were DOA and we had to get different ones. Hope that helps

 

Angelo,

Its a generic parts store one, I believe on the box it said it was all new, and it has a 5-year warranty.

My buddy has a really good mechanic he usually goes to, so I think tommorow night we'll just push start it and take it there.

 

I've seen junk ones out of the box. Could still be the answer.

 

Steve:

I had a similar problem with my 81...

i bought new starter from napa,that turned out to be bad...

one other thing you might check out is the "voltage regulator" as car has new battery,alternator showing it's charging,and starter clicking there is a good chance the voltage regulator is bad....

 

Update

Ends up it had something to do with the ground strap to the block.

I didn't think there was an issue there considering the cable looked brand new and there was an engine swap done. Live and learn

 

i had the same problem. it was my ignition switch had gone bad