1968 There's always something!! Starter probs!

[mbsf1970]

Just a few days ago, my car started exhibiting a weird klunking sound upon attempted startup---it seems to be doing it more frequently now. Here's what's going on:

from the accessories. position, you turn the the key the final way to the spring loaded part that starts car. Once fired, you let go of key and it returns to access. position. When I turn my key to start, there's nothing and when I let go of key and it returns to access. position, it lets out a "klunk" sound then nothing. I can repeat 2-3 times and then eventually, when I turn the key to start position it fires up. My starter going??

Stephen

 

[dalorzo_f]

A few possibilites,

- Battery not fully charged, not enough "ooomph" to throw starter to engage
- Bad soleniod
- bad grounds or connections between battery and starter
- Worn starter gear or teeth on flywheel resulting in jamming

or, what heppened to me recently, a piece of an old starter in the housing rolling around and once in a while being in a position to jam the starter by getting caught between starter teeth and gear.

 

[franklinair]

I'd be looking at the starter, Bendix drive, or fly wheel teeth. The "clunk" sound tells me that the starter is attempting to engage.

Neil

 

[mbsf1970]

Why (if starter was attempting to engage) would it be silent upon turning key and THEN klunk when key is released??

 

[franklinair]

When the key is released, power is removed from the solenoid & starter...Klunk.
Now if you had a clicking or ticking noise, I'd suspect the solenoid.

Neil

 

[mbsf1970]

Appears to be the alternator. its not recharging battery fully so the batt is pretty low every time I try to start it.
Gonna start with alt and then maybe the starter if it doesn't remedy prob.

 

[dalorzo_f]

Be sure its not just a bad battery befroe tearing apart the rest of the cahrging system. Voltage regualtor is another common cuplrit to test...

 

[mbsf1970]

Load tested the battery--not the culprit!