Starter? Solenoid? Both?

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Been having some runability issues with my 3.7L 488r, and I think I've burnt up either the solenoid, starter, or both from trying to restart after stalling so many times. I have not been able to test the solenoid as per the sticky. I know it's one or the other, and would like to just get what I need and take care of it.

I've read through the adult sticky, and can't decide. I hear the click, and sometimes the starter will engage, but sometimes it won't. The other night when I tried, the starter sounded awful, like it was spinning really slow. Almost sounded like a grinding noise it was so slow.

I get the click about 15 times, and then I may get a brief sound of the starter engaging, but not for longer then a half second.

When the starter engages for a second or so, she fires right up. I don't want to spend the money on a new starter if it's only the solenoid, but if the solenoid is bad, should I just go ahead and get a whole new setup?
 

zbnutcase

Commander
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
2,055
Re: Starter? Solenoid? Both?

Personally I would do both, and upgrade to the Delco style starter if it still has the old Prestolite lump in it.
 

Alpheus

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
1,759
Re: Starter? Solenoid? Both?

Or if your broke.

Pull out the starter and take it to your local auto parts store and have it tested. How old is your battery? If you have any doubt about its condition take it along with you have it tested at the same place as your starter. As for the solenoid; disconnect the wires, put a good 12 volt source on the the small terminals and listen for a click. If this is heard then get out your multimeter and check the resistance between your big terminals while holding the 12 volts to the small terminals. It should have almost no resistance between the two while the solenoid is active.

Don't just throw money at it. It could also be a weak battery,dirty terminals or loose connection...
 

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Starter? Solenoid? Both?

I'm pretty sure I toasted the starter/solenoid from cranking it a million times over the last couple of weeks. Called around, and can get a rebuilt for $89. My boat will have a shiny rebuilt starter and solenoid in it later this week or next. Worth the $$$. Thanks for the replies.
 

Alpheus

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
1,759
Re: Starter? Solenoid? Both?

I'm pretty sure I toasted the starter/solenoid from cranking it a million times over the last couple of weeks. Called around, and can get a rebuilt for $89. My boat will have a shiny rebuilt starter and solenoid in it later this week or next. Worth the $$$. Thanks for the replies.

Your're pretty sure??? If you were so sure why did you ask? It wont cost you anything to have the starter checked? Then you can go from "pretty sure" to Confirmed.

But hey, its your money...

Good luck...
 

Beefer

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
1,737
Re: Starter? Solenoid? Both?

Your're pretty sure??? If you were so sure why did you ask? It wont cost you anything to have the starter checked? Then you can go from "pretty sure" to Confirmed.

But hey, its your money...

Good luck...

Point taken. As I'll have it out, I'll stop off and have it checked, and go from there. :)
 
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