Starter Issue?

[Walt]

Evening,

Tried starting bus and starter makes a single click, followed by a very high pitched continuous screech when the key is turned.
Engine doesn't turn over;

Didn't have a lot of time this evening but I've tried following:
- Checked battery (7 years old, usually on trickle charge), reads 12.38v.
- Tapped starter few times with wooden mallet
- Rocked bus backwards/forwards few times in neutral.

Anything else to try?
Obviously thinking starter could be totally dead, but before I stump up for another one wanted to make sure there wasn't something else I might have missed.

Could it be a relay? Did feel like the G/Oil lights took a little longer to light up first time I put the keys in the ignition.

Definitely had the clicking once before & think it worked after rocking bus back/forth?

Thanks,
Steve (Walt)

 

[mike202]

Hi Steve,

Do you have a hard start relay? That could be a cause perhaps. I occasionally have something similar sounding upon starting the van. If hitting the starter motor with a mallet didn’t help maybe it needs a cleanup. If you SM is the OG one it could be getting on a bit and need a reconditioning.
Hopefully someone who knows a bit more about them will be along in a bit to help.

 

[Walt]

Thanks Mike;
Don't have a hard start relay - did think about putting one in a while back though.

Went back over the idiot's guide; tried putting it into 3rd gear & rocking it back & forth.
Next thing to try is screwdriver over the contacts to see if starter turns over.

 

[Walt]

So referencing Idiots guide page 51 for Starter/Solenoid issues, I was expecting to see 3 wires connections on the starter;
1) To Ignition
2) To Battery
3) Solenoid to Starter.

On my starter above, it doesn't quite match the diagram.

I've yellow dotted the 3 wires I can see but at the moment I haven't traced wire Number 3 (initially I think it's running back to the engine bay) or the fact I can't see the "Two large bolts" on the solenoid? Is their a cover plate over them?

Will have more time tomorrow/weekend to work on further.

 

[bigherb]

You have a replacement geared starter. The wire with the push on terminal comes from ignition switch. The large black from the battery and red from the alternator/dynamo regulator.
Where is the buzzing coming from? If from the dash area, more likely a low voltage problem.

 

[trinketpimp]

Get on yor back and with a large screwdriver, bridge the two terminals ( it'll arch and make you jump...) but it shocks the blighter enough sometimes in to remembering what it's job is....

 

[Walt]

Sorted!
Wasn't the starter - Problem was the battery; Got a new one today & it started first time.

Thanks to everyone who suggested what to try.

@bigherb Good call on the voltage; Thought the trickle charger would have indicated the battery was knackered - I'm sure it did that before by showing a red led or something - will have to check the manual again.

 

[Walt]

Get on yor back and with a large screwdriver, bridge the two terminals ( it'll arch and make you jump...) but it shocks the blighter enough sometimes in to remembering what it's job is....

Hi trinketpimp,
That's what I was aiming to do but couldn't see the terminals shown in the Idiots Guide on my starter.

So which 2 terminals on my starter photo?
Number 2 and 3?
i.e. Like below?

 

[trinketpimp]

Back of the solenoid. You'll know when you get the right ones as it'll arc any you'll jump a mile...

 

[Walt]

Back of the solenoid. You'll know when you get the right ones as it'll arc any you'll jump a mile...

Yeah, think I arc'd it by accident a few years back when I was underneath replacing a broken accelerator cable;
Was like Bonfire night under the bus!