Starter issue

[Thurman71 5]

1988 model 516-H. Starter clicks when I hit the key. But, won't spin. If, I jump across the terminals on solenoid it will start. Believe I'm looking at a bad solenoid. But, wanted more opinions, please. All safety switches appear to be functioning correctly. And, battery is new. Also, is it possible for ignition switch to be bad? And, still have a clicking at the starter itself. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,393]

If you are jumping from the battery cable to the starter motor you are bypassing the solenoid.

 

If you are jumping from the battery cable to the small solenoid terminal and the starter runs there is nothing wrong with the solenoid.

 

Which one?

 

Garry

[Thurman71 5]

Jumping across two big terminals on solenoid. 

[Ed Kennell 41,428]

Sounds like you need a new one.  Or if it does click when you try to start it , the coil in the solenoid is good. The contacts are probably just dirty.   They can be taken apart and cleaned ,

  Us old retired geezers don't throw anything away. Were cheap, we have time,  and we like the challenge

[Thurman71 5]

It's been a day or two. Or, 10yrs since I rebuilt a starter. But, sounds like it's time to pull it off. Will be a good project for tomorrow. I'm getting started on spring servicing. But, I just wanted to get a second opinion or two before I pulled it. Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I'll post again, when I get it done. 

[953 nut 59,356]

  Since your Starter works when you put a jumper across the large terminals of the solenoid I don't think the starter needs to be rebuilt. If you take a jumper from the battery side of the solenoid to the small terminal it should activate the solenoid and turn over the starter; if not the solenoid is the problem. This manual with wiring diagram should prove helpful.

 

 

[Thurman71 5]

Thank you. I'll give it a try in the morning after wife and kids head out. 

[Ed Kennell 41,428]

45 minutes ago, Thurman71 said:

10yrs since I rebuilt a starter. But, sounds like it's time to pull it off. Will be a good project for tomorrow.  

Did you mean solenoid here?    

 

2 hours ago, Thurman71 said:

. If, I jump across the terminals on solenoid it will start. Believe I'm looking at a bad solenoid. 

Nothing wrong with the starter then.     Yes, replace or clean the solenoid.

[Thurman71 5]

That's what I was thinking. Knew the starter itself wasn't the problem. Just wasn't sure if I could have had a wiring problem. Even though the starter was clicking. 

[Thurman71 5]

Well, I missed that one by a tiny bit. Ended up being a dirty connection on starter relay mounted on the frame right next to starter. But, I do love it when it turns out to be something simple. 

[953 nut 59,356]

Problem solved;  

[wrightorchid 261]

Always check your connections first, especially if it sounds weak.  It's amazing how quick they can corrode.  Your connections at the battery are also important, and can get pretty nasty in a hurry.  I had one battery cable end almost rusted away to nothing.

[TDF5G 2,073]

22 hours ago, Thurman71 said:

Well, I missed that one by a tiny bit. Ended up being a dirty connection on starter relay mounted on the frame right next to starter. But, I do love it when it turns out to be something simple. 

I'm late to the party, but this was going to be my suggestion.  Glad to hear you got her going!

[Thurman71 5]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. This is my first Wheel Horse. I'm still learning on it. 

[953 nut 59,356]

10 minutes ago, Thurman71 said:

I'm still learning on it. 

We all learn from each other, that is the great part about being on RedSquare.