Starter issue? Solenoid?!@$!??

[Tonefiend]

So it's  been hot as heck here lately and yesterday I had my 3rd non start episode.  I had to call the tow truck out.  Thanks Hagerty!  The unlimited 50 mile tow package paid off, great company.  but I digress.

Turn the key, no solenoid click. Starter relay makes a slight click. Lights and everything else works fine.  Nothing on the starter. Happens when it's hot. The first time it started within 30 minutes. The 2nd time 1 hour. This time it took 3 hours.   It started right up after the town truck dropped it off at my house!  But I shut it down and tried again and it was dead. 

So its doing this when its hot only.  My past experience tells me it's the starter solenoid.  The ballast resistor checks out fine. It's a new starter relay and a new voltage regulator. Grounds have been cleaned up... 

My questios are could it be something other than the starter?   And where/what type of started should I get.  Looking for reasonably priced if possible. I don't care about authenticity. I'll be using this on my 340 build with headers so maybe a mini high torque?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I would think it's your starter.   

I have a mini-starter on mine after my original went to Heaven. I have headers that pretty much surround it, and it has no problems starting when it's hot. 

[Tonefiend]

Thanks MEK thats what I would think too.  I'll be getting a mini starter for sure.

Just want to cover my bases and see if there is anything else heat sensative that could cause this?

[moparmaniac59]

How close is the starter to the headers? Have you tried a thermal blanket wrapped around the starter body. It may be a heat soak issue. Just a thought.



                                                                            Matt B.

[Tonefiend]

How close is the starter to the headers? Have you tried a thermal blanket wrapped around the starter body. It may be a heat soak issue. Just a thought.



                                                                            Matt B.

Thanks Matt,  right now it's the stock 318 manifolds and the problem is a recent development.

[Chryco Psycho]

I would check the condition of all the battery cables & connections @ the relay and starter but sounds to me like the starter is the problem . I would grab a mini off a dodge truck in the wreckers , swap the 2 contact terminals inside for $5 & clean the contact ring & it shoul dlast a looong time for $30 or so

[dodj]

S

Turn the key, no solenoid click. Starter relay makes a slight click.

If that means the starter solenoid clicks and the starter doesn't engage, need new starter/and or check connections. If it means the starter solenoid gives a weak sort of click, check the nss, solenoid grounding.  And check battery voltage.

[Tonefiend]

Yeah battery voltage is good.  All the connections are good. The NSS could be bad I guess. I am going to change thatwhile I am under there too.  The conection on that is so shoddy.  It used to keep falling off until I put some silicone on there.  I don't know why they don't use some clips to hold it in better. 

The relay makes a slight click but nothing from ths solenoid. 

 None of the local boneyards had a starter.  I'll pick up a new one thats not a reman. if possible. 

[brads70]

I would check the condition of all the battery cables & connections @ the relay and starter but sounds to me like the starter is the problem . I would grab a mini off a dodge truck in the wreckers , swap the 2 contact terminals inside for $5 & clean the contact ring & it shoul dlast a looong time for $30 or so

 
I had a similar problem 2 summers ago too. Had it towed home too. Turned out it was the battery cable . It had " the green death" inside , you couldn't see it till I peeled some of the insulation away.It looked good on the outside!  It was a Mopar cable so it might have been original? They are available new from your local Mopar dealership.  I agree is sounds like your starter but CHECK the cables very closely!

Forgot to add .... my starter made clicking noises, it just was not getting enough amperage through the faulty cable.

[Tonefiend]

Thanks Brad, I will check and replace the cable as well. I suspect it is the original 42 year old cable. 


CHeck it out.  This looks like a good one.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MINI-MOPAR-DODGE-PLYMOUTH-STARTER-SUPER-TORQUE-/140620247547?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true


And check this starter out.Any reason to spend the extra $50?   http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGH-PERFORMANCE-MOPAR-STARTER-56027702AC-R53005984-/220524456829

[Chryco Psycho]

the second one is more the factory style , I would send you the one I have sitting on the floor in Calgary if I was still there . try al local rebuilder , they should have them , even local parts stores like Napa carry replacements .
 New cables are still available from Mopar , Roseville should have those !

[Tonefiend]

Thanks C.P., I'll search out a local rebuilder and see if they have one.

[dodj]

The NSS could be bad I guess.

Only if the relay on the inner fender (I call it the starter solenoid - not sure if you do  ) does not click when you turn the key.  If the relay clicks, don't waste your time on playing around with the nss. It's your starter and/or cable.
Make sure your engine to -ve battery connection is good as well. It's just as important as the relay to starter connection.

[Moparal]

When the car won't start by Key, have you opend the hood and tried to start by jumping the relay? If it does, then you can eliminate a few extra bucks. Like starter, cables, ends.   

[Tonefiend]

When it's in the "wont start when i'ts hot" mode It won't start when I jumper the relay.  The relay does click and I have the original one and the new one and both do the same thing.  I bought a new one just because the old one was so old and rusty looking. 

I am going to pull the starter and bench test it and examine the wires to see what condition they are in. That should tell me everything I need to know. 

I have changed starters in a bunch of my Chevies and 2 Fords but never a mopar.  Pretty straight forward?  I don't need to pull the manifold or anything do I?  I have the manual on CD I'll take a look at that too. 

Thanks!