[DeTomaso] Strange electrical issue - is it time for a new starter?

[Pantdino]

How old is your battery?

If the disconnect switch is OK and the problem persists, replace your battery. Or if you have the green knob kind Mike describes replace it too.

I spent hours evaluating things last time I had this "no start" situation and replacing the battery made it all go away.  

Jim Oddie


-----Original Message-----
From: MikeLDrew <MikeLDrew at aol.com>
To: pcajthaml <pcajthaml at gmail.com>; detomaso <detomaso at poca.com>
Sent: Mon, Feb 17, 2014 1:15 pm
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Strange electrical issue - is it time for a new starter?



In a message dated 2/17/14 12 08 33, pcajthaml at gmail.com writes:



So far, after turning off the battery disconnect switch and then back on, the starter kicks over as when new.  Should I replace the starter before I get stuck somewhere?




>>>No.   Your starter is working fine.   The most obvious suggestion is to check all your connections--at the battery, starter solenoid, and the starter itself.

Assuming they are all good, the problem is almost assuredly within your disconnect switch.   You don't mention which kind you have? Broadly, there are two types.   One has a post that the battery cable clamps to, a clamp to attach it to the battery, and a knob (usually green) that you unscrew to electrically separate the two halves.   These things are pretty effective, but also extremely cheap.   I would imagine (guess) that overtightening can break things.

The other kind is a proper switch, with two posts (one for the cable in, another for a cable out) and a keyed switch in between.   These seem to be more robust.

As an experiment, remove the switch from your system and evaluate performance.   It's likely that things will function just perfectly.   At that point you get to decide whether you want to service the switch (could there be a buildup of corrosion), replace it, or just do away with it entirely.

FWIW I have key-type switches on two cars, and a knob-type switch on a third one--all of them have worked great for years, although the knob-style switch is rarely disconnected so it hasn't had a chance to wear out yet.

Let us know what you find out!

Mike

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