96 won't start, just clicks, tried everything

[filster]

Guys,

My stock '96 won't start, starter only clicks. The starter gear extends upon energizing the starter, but, the starter gear does not turn. I took starter to NAPA and it engaged and turned on their tester. I tried a rebuilt starter from a Denso rebuilder and it does the same thing on the vehicle. (Actually, I wrapped it in a towel,crammed it in place, hooked it up and jumped the ground by pinching a lead under an M12 cap screw in the starter base, to a bracket on the frame. Want to be able to return it unused!) I checked the resistance of the positive cable, from the battery terminal to the starter end of the cable, and it showed no appreciable drop in ohms. Checked the ground from the negative terminal to chassis, and it shows continuity, The battery was new in January, shows over 800CCA. Checked the fusible links in the engine compartment box, and the 50 and 60 amp both show continuity. The headlights are bright, all the dash lights illuminate,etc. I am going to check the fusible links coming off the positive battery terminals. I did check them for continuity, but, will check them for voltage drop.

Any help would be appreciated, I need this to tow to local MX track!!!!!
(Oh, and my wife would like it back,too.)
Philip

 

[VETTE60]

have you tried jumper-ing it using a remote starter switch? you can usually get one from an auto parts store for 10 bucks or so. it jumps the ignition terminal. if the switch works then the issue is in your ignition switch omewhere.

did you replace the starter contacts in the solenoid? or did a new one come on the starter?

 

[filster]

Vette60,

I did not check the starter contacts in the solenoid, I assumed the contacts would be replaced when rebuilt. How do you check the contacts? I am going to bring both starters, original and rebuilt to Pep Boys to see if they get different results from them. I will also check out the remote starter.
Thank you for the tips,
Philip

 

[filster]

Vette,
I was out and bought a remote starter switch. Will let you know how things shake out after I figure it out.

 

[VETTE60]

cool, let me know.

if you pull the top off of the solenoid ( a few small bolts) you can take it off and look in at the contacts, they should not be coroded or burned up. they should be new but you never know.. don't lose the spring inside the solenoid. you can get a new Denso contact kit at kragen for about 10-20 bucks

 

[86tuning]

bolt it up properly, the starter requires SERIOUS current to work. If you have bad battery terminal clamps or wiring, you will have problems.

 

[filster]

While at Pep Boys to get a remote starter, I tried both starters and they worked there. Installed the old starter and tried the remote and it worked. I think I'll just go with the rebuilt Denso. I know I could rebuild the contacts, I just don't have the time, and it seems I always find something else that needs repair while I'm in something like that.
Thanks for the time and tips,
Philip