38 starting woes
 

Went to start my car this summer and all I got was a buzz then nothing. Checked and cleaned all my terminals. Nothing. Replaced my solenoid, nothing, could get it to click at the solenoid but not at the starter. Had my starter rebuilt, put it back in and nothing still. I know it's not the starter because I had it checked when I picked it up. Fuse under dash is good. Could it be the cable to the starter from the selenoid?

Re: 38 starting woes
 

I would first check and clean ALL of the ends of ALL of your grounding points!!!! Then check and clean ALL the ends of the "hot" side of the starting system!!

Re: 38 starting woes
 

'38

Re: 38 starting woes
 

I hate to state the obvious, but is your battery any good? Lots of times they will take a "surface charge" and show adequate voltage with a multi-meter, but won't be able to supply enough current start the car,

Re: 38 starting woes
 

I've cleaned all the connections. The battery shows 6 volts. Seems like I would get something. ie. clicking, slow roll over. Lights and gauges work. I'll try a new battery, it is 4yrs old.

Re: 38 starting woes
 

I can tell you, I went through three batteries on our 39 Merc before finding One good battery. You have to check them with a Hydrometer, NOT a volt meter, three batteries tested OVER 6 volts but ALL three had a dead cell!!!! WHEN this occurs, you have NO cold cranking amps!!!SO get a hydrometer and check the cells before you buy the battery!!!!! Also pull the caps off and make sure the electrolyte level is up to snuff JMO and FYI

Re: 38 starting woes
 

What happens if you jump the starter solenoid?? Switch on the dash bad?? Happened to me recently.
Paul in CT

Re: 38 starting woes
 

Put a jumper cable on the starter and touch it on the - minus sjde
of the battery and the starter should turn over. Have a volt meter
across your battery where you are reading 6 volts now. If the battery
voltage drops way down your battery is shot. If it stays at 6 volts and
your starter works on the bench it sounds like the starter is not
grounded. G.M.

Re: 38 starting woes
 

If the headlights shine brightly, the battery should be capable of cranking the engine. Like Flamingo stated above, it could easily be that your starter button is not grounding properly, or that the button itself is defective. MAKE SURE trans is in NEUTRAL!! Then try hooking ONE jumper cable to the starter side lug on solenoid. FIRMLY and carefully, touch other end of jumper to battery side lug on solenoid. If engine cranks, there's likely a problem with starter button on dash. DD

Re: 38 starting woes
 

I tested the battery while having someone push the starter button. Went from 6.34 volts to 2.2 volts. I need a new battery. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get it going.