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Starting problem and a headlight problem

B

bshull

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Location
Buhler, KS
In the past two days I have had this problem 4 times, I turn the key and all you hear is the starter solenoid click, one click only. Release the key, turn the key to start and it will start. The electrical connections are tight and clean on the starter and at the battery. Both batteries are in good shape and I do not think this is a battery issue. Do you think this is a ignition switch issue or a starter issue.

I also have a problem with the headlights. About a year ago while driving at night the headlights turned off, the park lights remained on. Pulled over and waited until the headlight breaker reset. With lights back on I went on my merry way and the problem did not return until tonight. It happened twice in about 5 miles. Do you think I have a short or do you think the breaker might be going bad?

I need some clues on where to start, Thanks for the help

Brian
 
You may have a headlight bulb that has shorted the filament and is using more watts than the breaker can handle. Upgraded headlights? Burned sockets? A wire wearing through and shorting can cause this. Breakers do die...

The starter needs 9V at the pull in connection - small wire. Clip a voltmeter on the starter and take a reading. Lay the voltmeter on the windshield so you can read it. 10-11v I forget on the big cable to the starter. The cable from the solenoid to the starter motor should have voltage on it after the 'click'. (This would be a bad motor.) No volts is a bad solenoid.

All you care about is that your battery cables are good including the positive ones, the double cable positive connector is good, grounds are good... The motor can stall and heat up connections till they expand and make good contact.

So if your two voltage measurements are good at the starter cables when it thunks you have a bad starter.

I get better RPM out of the new Powermaster aftermarket starter and have awful bad luck with reman starters. Make sure the rear starter bracket is in place.
 
It was the starter, I replaced it tonight with a Powermaster. It was a tight fit with a P-400. You are correct, the Powermaster really spins the motor!

On to the headlights!, thanks for the help.

Brian
 
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