I am charging the battery some more right now - and disconnected it from the car.
My 88 Formula is back together after putting in another engine. I tried to start it earlier this afternoon but it just clicked, so I put the charger on it for a few hours.
I just went out to try it again (before the battery hit full-charge) just to turn the engine over a few times to get the oil flowing after all these years and just got a strong engagement from the starter, then the single click again - and the faint smell of smoke. Not like burning plastic, but something else, like fluid or something.
The marker lights and trunk lights all work fine, so I disconnected the battery and set it to a slow charge in hopes that low voltage and grease on a wire are the culprits.
Any other things I should check before trying her again or do you guys think that the low battery is still the prob. Perhaps the smell is from removing and reinstalling everything over the last month?
If there is a short - any place you recommend I check first?
Thanks!
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06:00 PM
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josef644 Member
Posts: 6939 From: Dickinson, Texas USA Registered: Nov 2006
Saxman you didn't put the starter back on the engine without getting it all checked over did you? Tell me you didn't. Make sure all of the ground connections , and positive connections are good. one loose or not making contact, (dirty), and she No Trabaho. Joe
Saxman you didn't put the starter back on the engine without getting it all checked over did you? Tell me you didn't. Make sure all of the ground connections , and positive connections are good. one loose or not making contact, (dirty), and she No Trabaho. Joe
I just left the starter on the 87 block. I never pulled it off. I guess I should have since it has been sitting for a few years. Geez. We'll see what happens when the battery is fully charged.
Thanks Jake. I'll check that new ground wire I just added today while the battery is connected. The old one had broken apart.
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07:07 PM
Saxman Member
Posts: 5151 From: Melbourne, FL Registered: May 2005
There are two wires on the starter, make sure that when you turn the key there is 12 volts to the small wire connection. That would be the start signal for the starter to engage and spin. Joe
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08:39 PM
Saxman Member
Posts: 5151 From: Melbourne, FL Registered: May 2005
There are two wires on the starter, make sure that when you turn the key there is 12 volts to the small wire connection. That would be the start signal for the starter to engage and spin. Joe
Will do.
Say, the two small bolts that stick out of the back end of the starter are grounded, right? I added a small heat shield using one of those small bolts and the stock shield bolt.
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10:12 PM
litespd Member
Posts: 8127 From: No where you want to be Registered: Aug 99
Saxman, just for your info....my son had an 86 SE V6 that blew the clutch. Up until that point, the starter had worked fine. The car sat for about 6 months, until I could get to the clutch. Put it all together, hit the starter...and nothing. Took it over to a parts store, and had them check it out...and it was bad. I'd pull the starter, and have it checked...if it's been sitting for a couple of years, it could very well be your problem.
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11:06 PM
Mar 14th, 2008
Saxman Member
Posts: 5151 From: Melbourne, FL Registered: May 2005
The battery didn't finish charging last night, so I'll plug it back in today - just in case.
I bet you are right...
If ya was a Texas fella I would give you one of the spares I have in the shop. Merry-Land is a long way for a freebie. I think I gave it away come to think about it.Someone in need. If you have a spare from the other engine, take it to a strarter/ altenator rebuild shop, and have them go threw it . They only charge about $45.00 here, and you get your starter back like new, not someone elses "woes". I never put a Auto-Zone starter in one of my cars. Joe Crawford Texas Joe
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12:38 PM
Saxman Member
Posts: 5151 From: Melbourne, FL Registered: May 2005
I have to disagree on the Autozone starter (although I've only had it a few months.) I put this baby in and it cranks like an impact wrench -- zip.
Hey they will do the job in a pinch. I, myself, prefer to get my starter or altenator repaired. When they come in for the exchange at all of the parts houses, they just repair the problem only, clean it up and box it up for the next guy. A rebuilder replaces all the working parts bendix, solinoid ,brushes and both end bushings. They also turn the armature flat so the brushes sit square. This isnt a flame war on A-Zone. I have lots of their replacement parts in and on my car.
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09:30 AM
Saxman Member
Posts: 5151 From: Melbourne, FL Registered: May 2005