'81 Spider no start. Starter solenoid?

milanfire17 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:27 AM

My 81 spider refused to start today, after running great all year. All I get is a loud ticking coming from what sounds like the starter. ( remfg from IAP, 2yrs old) I checked all connections and grounds. (She had no juice in her battery yesterday, yet the charger showed full charge when hooked up, hence, checking the ground.) I did have starter run-on issues with her last year, and replaced the ignition switch over the winter. Could her run-on issues have damaged the solenoid?. I plan on pulling the starter tonight, and having it checked. Is there anything else I should check on while I'm under there?
ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

**John M** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:34 AM

Hey Don:

Before you remove the starter.....do a few things for me.

1. Remove the positive wire leading to the starter. Cut the old end off and put a new end connector.

2. Remove the upper female spade connector. Either replace with a new female spade connector or crimp down a little on the old one to tighten it up.

3. Charge your battery.

4. And if you want to go the extra mile, replace all the end connectors on the driver side fender junction box. (i.e. battery wire...alternator wire....accessory wires)

Best Regards,
John M

Suitkins2 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:38 AM

Not trying to advertise too much, but if it turns out you need a part from the 81 engine, I have an almost full engine I will be parting out. I unforuntately can't guarantee if the parts would work since the car has never run while in my possession, the PO stated that all other parts of the engine were fine except the fuel injection system which was removed prior to delivery (converted to carbs so the wiser members of this board helped me to identify).
Jim

milanfire17 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:45 AM

John,
Thanks, She just got delivered home, so I'll go out and give it a try, and let you know how it works out.One thing that really bothers me is the fact that its a brand new battery, something, somewhere is causing it to discharge. If you run every day, no problem starting, Let it sit a day or two, dead. Again thanks for the tip.
Don

milanfire17 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:53 AM

Jim,
Thanks for the offer (I posted a reply to your post also.) Unfortunately Anything that can break/wearout/malfunction/go FUBAR/etc. in the engine has been replaced. the only thing original under the hood is the block itself. But I do need a window...
Thanks, Don

**Roadtrip** · #6 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 10:56 AM

Don - If you've got a current leak, check all the obvious stuff first . . . courtesy lights, hood & trunk lights, heater fan, etc. After than use a sensitive ampmeter hooked in the system, then start removing the fuses one at a time to try and narrow down the circuit that leaking.

milanfire17 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 11:36 AM

Oh, you guys are going to love this.
After having the car towed home, I prepared to push her into the garage, and begin trying all of the above suggestions. My neighbor comes over, ( who is a confirmed british car nut. he has a gorgeous '53 MGTD and more MGA's than you can shake a stick at) I attempt to start the car to get his opinion also. And lo and behold! She starts on the first crank, and purrs like a kitten! Now I'm just a little flustered ( not confused though... confused is normal for me)
The battery is fully charged, My connectors do look a bit poor though. So thats tonights project. Welcome to Murphys Law, Italian Style. At least Insurance paid the tow!

**John M** · #8 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 11:36 AM

On your current leak....also check the alternator when the car is cold. See if it feels warm. If it does...there is your leak. Likewise on the starter since its clicking now too.

Best Regards,
John M

**Roadtrip** · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 02:41 PM

Are you really sure you checked the both the battery to chassis ground AND the engine to chassis ground . . . . . and I'm not just talking about looking at them. Pull 'em clean and retighten. If the engine ground is bad it can cause the engine and starter to seek a ground through the throttle cable. I probably don't need to tell you what a very high current going through a small wire is called. A booster cable can sub for an engine ground in a pinch.

milanfire17 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-15-2004, 04:13 AM

Thanks John,
You hit the nail on the head, it was the engine ground. I checked the ground for the battery first.( easier to get to) and cleaned and polished everything to a near mirror finish and sprayed liberally with dielectric grease. I shouldn't have this problem again for a while.
Thanks to everyone for their imput. Otherwise I would have started dismantling everything and who knows what along the way!