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Re: Starting problems (79 B)

To: "Keith G." <k2@gernertzone.com>, mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Starting problems (79 B)
From: Rocky Frisco <rock@rocky-frisco.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 12:06:36 -0500
Keith G. wrote:

> So I finally get the carb rebuilt and back on the car, hook up the 
> battery and turn the key, and -- nothing.  In several attempts there 
> was a sound something like a grinding (that's the closest term I can 
> think of for it), but most of the time there is no noise.  Sounds 
> like an electrical problem (duh) but I don't know where to start on 
> this.  Any help appreciated.
> 
> In fact, if there's anyone near Lake Orion, MI that would be willing 
> to help out in person, that would be great.

That sound might be the solenoid chattering.

Here's why that happens:

1. A bad battery connection or corroded inner solenoid contact limits 
the amount of current the system can carry.

2. When the starter is actuated, the solenoid activates and connects the 
starter windings to the 12v+.

3. This drops the limited current so much that there is no longer enough 
energy to keep the solenoid actuated, so the connection drops out.

4. This makes the solenoid act like a doorbell buzzer. It's very hard on 
the solenoid and will eventually burn it out.

5. The way to fix it is to provide good contact from the battery to the 
solenoid. Lead oxide looks just like lead, but is a fairly good 
insulator, so it's a very good idea to scrape the battery posts and the 
inside of the clamps with a sharp knife or terminal brush to get to 
bright metal, then reclamp.

If it's the solenoid's inner contacts, either the solenoid must be 
disassembled and cleaned, or replaced.

-Rock    http://www.rocky-frisco.com
--
JJ Cale Live CD and video: http://www.rocky-frisco.com/calelive.htm
The Wednesday Night Science Project: http://www.wednitesciproj.us
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