Starter

[Topcat]

I usually take my starters or alternators in question to CSK auto. (Kragen)
Many of the stores have a testing unit in their stores.

[Bullitt-]

How do I know if I have a bad starter relay? 

With a screwdriver short the terminals, if it cranks the relay is bad if not the problem lies elsewhere.

[JimL]

Thanks for the picture of starter relay.It was very clear.I checked mine out and it does the same thing as turning the key.It just makes a clicking sound from the starter.So I guess it isn't the relay.

[JimL]

Battery cables seem to be good.I checked them out today and cleaned them at each end.I checked the wires on the relay and on the starter with a voltmeter and had about 12.72 volts on both.

[Chryco Psycho]

Starter solinoid must be the issue

[JimL]

I took the starter solinoid off and cleaned it up on the back of it and where it mounts to inner fender.Still all I get is a clicking sound from starter.It is also a new solinoid.I did notice that the starter gear gets stuck in the flywheel everytime I try to start it. I have to then move the flywheel just a little bit to let it release.

[Chryco Psycho]

loosen the starter bolts & twist the starter away from the ring gear until the starter will not jamb

[JimL]

I turned the starter left and right but it still gets stuck.If I move the flywheel just a little it comes back out. I'm thinking it just does't have enough power to go in and out?

[Chryco Psycho]

if it sticks engaged there is only a spring to pull it back , the issue has to be either & oversize ring gear or the drive is oversize if it still jamb after moving the starter around

[JimL]

Should the drive on the starter be greased or oiled so it would slide in and out easily?Right now it is dry and some kind of coating or paint is on it.When it goes into the ring gear it get stuck then I move the ring gear just a little and it comes right back out.Could it be possible that my ring gear is bad maybe bent or something? It was running last year and it just wouldn't start one day.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have never used any oil there , there has tp be an alignment issue , do you have another starer you can try out

[Bullitt-]

That black "paint" sounds like cooked on grease...I'd clean it off & lightly lube.

[JimL]

I changed the starter today with another high tork one and have the same results.Starter gear gets stuck on ring gear.I'm I suppose to have any volts comming off the smaller wire on the starter? There is none right now.

[Bullitt-]

Volts to the small wire are to energize the solenoid & internal starter switch, power should only be present when the ignition switch is in the start position. .... I think your main power cable from the battery to the starter has a problem.

[JimL]

Is there a way that I can drop the starter out but keep the cables attached and ground it some how to see if the starter will work that way?