Odd Starter/Solenoid Issues? Please Read...

[727Designs]

I bought my Ranger about 2 months ago, the starter has always been finicky. Sometimes it would spin over slow, sometimes not at all until you cycle the key a few times, and sometimes it worked properly... Well recently it completely quit. Only sound was a click from the solenoid on the fenderwell. Today was my first chance to check it over, first off made sure the connections where all tight at all the batteries (Running 3 for my car audio system all 100% professionally done, not hacked by any means), checked all the stock grounds, checked to make sure all the starter bolts/wires where tight, then tried again... same click. After this I had my wife sit inside the truck and turn the key to where it should try to start while I check the voltage at the solenoid. On the one pole it has the constant voltage, however on the other it would never read any voltage so I put a screwdriver across both poles... and it barely arc'd? I mean a pathetic little spark, nothing else... no starter engaging or anything. I had pretty much written it up as a solenoid problem until then, well after that I was pretty puzzled so I took about an hour off and ate lunch and then my grandpa (a mechanic from back in the 70's) suggested I tap the starter with a hammer, I reluctantly did (thinking it wouldn't help since the solenoid wasn't getting voltage across it), and of course the truck started. It's now starting fine (tried about 15 times), and starter sounds healthier than ever... My only concern was the solenoid not getting voltage across it earlier. I don't know if the planets aligned and the solenoid all of a sudden decided to work, or if the problem really was the starter. I have no problem carrying a hammer with me and tapping the starter for a few days until my new starter comes in... IF that's the problem... However part of me is worried that it was the solenoid and I'll end up stranded somewhere.

Anyone had a problem like this before? Sorry for the novel but it's got me stumped.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[tad]

It's your starter. The brushes get dirty and won't turn, when you tap it you knock some dirt loose and free them up. This is only a temporary solution, so it's good that you're replacing the starter.

The voltage reading won't be reliable with a bad starter. The solenoid is good, they either work or they don't.