I had a sudden starting problem develop (3800/manual) and I'm curious what I might be missing as far as possible solutions. When I try and turn the engine over the starter just clicks at an irregular rate and maybe will spin the engine a couple degrees. At this point I think its the battery and I'm gong to go have it tested when I get the chance but I hate to buy a new one if its not the problem. Plus, if its not the problem I want to get an idea of what else I could be missing. In any case, here's what I've worked on ruling out so far:

Starter: I've tried two starters that just both tested good at a parts store. One was working well on the engine for over a year now so I don't think its a starter adjustment issue. I also pulled it and replaced it with a known good one I had sitting around and it didn't make any difference.

Battery Leads: They're less than 3 months old and in great condition. In fact, I even added extra grounds to my engine when I replaced them.

Ignition Switch/Wiring There are no shorts in my starter signal wire, my clutch safety works, and my ignition switch is one that I've been using for over a year without problem and I haven't adjusted it lately. In addition, I tried jumping the starter by putting 12V on it directly and it does the same thing so the rest of this paragraph is moot.

Possibly Engine: I don't think its the engine but I will admit that a couple days before this problem popped up I did have a belt break and the engine overheated a bit before I caught it (Ironically, I was working on fixing the temp gauge when it happened). Now, I didn't have any hoses blow and I can't find any water in my oil so I don't think anything was horribly damaged. In addition to that, I started it at least once a day after this happened even though I didn't run it very long and it seemed fine then. Also, to top it all off, I can spin the engine in situ with a 1/2" drive ratchet and no cheater even though it is somewhat difficult but I think that's just compression. I haven't tried it after pulling plugs.

Battery: I think this is my culprit right now. Its a few years old and has seen some abuse. It was working fine before, still holds 12 volts, and has showed no signs of dying. However, it still seems the most likely culprit right now. I'm going to go get it tested today but I hate to buy another battery if its not my problem.

So, what am I missing?

My guess is the battery, It could still show 12 volts but be failed. Have a place run a load test on the battery and see what happens.

quote Originally posted by Jfrost: My guess is the battery, It could still show 12 volts but be failed. Have a place run a load test on the battery and see what happens.

quote Originally posted by GraterFang: ....it still seems the most likely culprit right now. I'm going to go get it tested today....

That was the plan. I know batteries can go even with 12V but was looking for other ideas if that falls through