Truck wont start after mudding. Starter? Found something that might be related (1 Viewer)

[onelesssblues]

As usual I went four wheeling today and came back with an issue. Went through some deep streams and mud pits... got home and turned off ignition and truck wont start back up. Now it seems to be a starter issue because when i turn the key it doesnt click or anything and the ebrake light dims. Ive had this happen before after wheeling in similar conditions but I just hit the starter with a hammer a few times and it started back up. Ive hit the starter with a hammer this time to no avail...

The last time the hammer trick worked my truck had been sitting a few days so it had time to dry. Maybe I just need to wait?


Also since the rain started and ive been wheeling everyday the radio has started to short out while driving... fresh installed stereo, no problems until going through deep water. the 4wd light was flickering as well. Is this a grounding problem?

I found this but Im guessing it hasnt connected for awhile. could this be related...

wire goes to ignition

Starters pretty dirty

Where do I begin in diagnosing the starter?

Thanks for help in advance

 

[JLH911]

Check the obvious. How's the battery? Check the clamps on the posts too. Make sure they're clean.

I'd let everything dry up and see what happens. Maybe you can take a hair dryer and help the process along quicker.

Good luck

 

[acer]

Dude, you seem to have a lot of problems,
it is called owning an old vehicle which demands certain maintenance protocol. I am sorry if I am overtly aggressive, but, jesus christ, this is not a camry, try and use some basic mechanics logic. Good luck and again, I am sorry, but come on mate, use the old thinker! F**CK
J

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Do your lights and stuff work? Obviously, if they don't it is some kind of battery issue. If mine ever did what you described I tried the hit it with a hammer/pipe trick. Check the connections and if everything looks clean and the battery is good I would wait until it dries out and wack that b*tch with a hammer.

Could you roll start it?

 

[klinetime574]

I'm pretty sure that wire should be grounded on the battery hold down on the passenger fender. The angled piece where the negative battery cable is connected to. I wish I had a picture of it.

There is an engine ground on the top of the firewall to the cylinder head. And I think there is one for the starter itself to the frame. And then of course the main one from the battery to the PS engine mount.

On the other hand, that starter does look pretty old haha.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

^^^Someone's having a bad evening, eh?
Anyway, dunking the starter could have exacerbated an already growing problem. As already mentioned, check the basics and work back from there. Also again, will it roll start? Try to jump the starter solenoid with a screwdriver (place it between the terminals on the starter, using the screwdriver as a conductor) and see if the starter spins then. My $0.02 is that this will end up with a starter rebuild.
Keep at it though, the old dog ain't dead yet! (Admittedly, you are doing a good job of hurrying it along, hehe!)

 

[onelesssblues]

Dude, you seem to have a lot of problems,
it is called owning an old vehicle which demands certain maintenance protocol. I am sorry if I am overtly aggressive, but, jesus christ, this is not a camry, try and use some basic mechanics logic. Good luck and again, I am sorry, but come on mate, use the old thinker! F**CK
J

must unpleasant person on mud ive ever met. this forum is for helping people. Ive owned my 60 for 6 ****ing months and ive never worked on a car before this so shut the **** up. do you go thread to thread looking for people to critique? im not turning this into a **** talking thread so rethink your attitude and if you dont have something helpful to say dont post.

 

[onelesssblues]

Wile E thanks man. its turning out to be a battery issue but another question... if the battery is drained wont it still click when you turn the key? thanks for the help. What an a****** that guy is right?

 

[onelesssblues]

I run my cruiser pretty hard and dont mind if I break things because im learning how to fix them. Ive already learned a sh*t ton about my 60. For a 23 year old truck thats mostly original its holding up incredibly well. This thing is going to be a trail truck anyway I'll get my cherry 60 some day soon.

 

[Wile E Coyote]

Awe, just coulda been a weak moment for the guy, no worries. We all get cranky, right?
Anyway, if the battery is discharged enough, no it won't even cause the starter to click.
Happy wrenching!