<VV> starting problems - click-click

[Bob Tarpenning]

My best guess would be that the ground cable to the engine block needs
cleaning and /or tightening.
Bob T


-----Original Message-----
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org
[mailto:virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of Joel McGregor
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 6:33 PM
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> starting problems - click-click

I've had lots of trouble finding good solenoids and that is certainly sounds
like the symptom you are having.  The click you hear is the solenoid moving.

Things to think about;
1)  The solenoid may not have enough strength to compress the spring and
move the gear on the shaft far enough  because it isn't getting enough
current due to bad wiring/connection or bad battery or a weak solenoid.
You've already eliminated the starter trigger circuit and I would assume bad
connections at the battery cables so this shouldn't be an issue.
2) The plunger in the solenoid has to travel far enough for the contact ring
to connect and pass current to the starter motor.
3) The solenoid has to generate enough force to make the starter gear mesh
with the ring gear before the contact ring fires up the starter.
4) If you get a good strong click and the starter doesn't turn it's most
likely another bad solenoid.
5) Don't forget to check the heater duct for bare wires touching the
solenoid terminals.
6) You could try removing the solenoid when it has the click symptom and
manually move the plunger to see if it easily engages the ring gear all the
way.
7)  The external solenoid is an old trick but I've never found it to be
necessary.  Just fix whatever is wrong.
8)  An out of round ring gear can prevent the starter gear from travelling
far enough to run the starter motor.
Joel McGregor
________________________________________
From: virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org [virtualvairs-bounces at corvair.org] On
Behalf Of Mark Durham [62vair at gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 3:38 PM
To: jeandelucca at aol.com; virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> starting problems - click-click

Jim, my 62 coupe did the same thing. I fixed the problem by adding the
clarks starter relay kit. The problem is in the aged wiring and connections.
The start circuit has to travel clear up to the ignition switch and back.
The kit rearranges the load so the high amps needed to the starter solenoid
go from the battery thru the new relay to the starter solenoid, and the
circuit that goes to the ignition switch is converted to just actuating the
new relay, much less load. My car hasn't missed a start since.
Mark. Durham

Sent from my Windows Phone
From: jeandelucca at aol.com
Sent: 1/18/2012 13:06
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: <VV> starting problems - click-click my 63 monza 102/pg has a
starting problem that has my mechanic and i stumped a bit. what used to
occur once every few months is now occurring more regularly: when turning
the key, just a "click-click".
turn the key back and forth a few times and it will start. the battery is
strong. we pulled the starter and checked it and replaced the solenoid.
reassembled everything and the problem returned. we eliminated the ignition
switch and neutral safety switch by jumping various things(his tests). we
now want to go back and recheck the solenoid. i'd be interested to hear some
responses to a solution, i hope i have provided enough info, i should
mention that it has been getting colder here in the northeast, if that
matters.  thanks, jim  _______________________________________________
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