[Phytoplankton]

I need some help, since I got my 68 jeepster w/stock 225 about a year ago I've had intermittent problems with the starter, here's the scenario: The PO tried to re-wire this rig and bacically I've got spaghetti. He also added a push button starter, so you have to turn the key to the on position, then press the starter button (I don't believe that is a stock set-up). The ignition switch is stock, but you don't have to turn the key to the cranking position only the on position. (Nothing happens if you turn to the cranking position) The issue is about 50% of the time when you push the button no juice to the starter, you can see/hear that there is a power draw, since the headlights dim and the fan slows down, but she no crank! I then have to lift the hood and use my custom starting wrench and arch the solenoid to the starter and it fires right up. I tried replacing the push button starter but it didn't help, any suggestions or starting point (no pun intended) to try and troubleshoot this? It's really a PITA to have to raise the hood every other time I want to start old blue. There is no rhyme nor reason to when it works or when it doesn't.

Thanks in advance!

 

[2493]

Trace the wire going from the push button switch to the starter solenoid, every inch. sounds like it is shorting to ground. the only time that wire is hot is when you push the button so it is not likely that it will trip the breaker or such. But the juice is going to go straight to ground instead of engageing the starter solenoid, easiest path to ground. Check at the fire wall, sorry, bulkhead as 1 instructor likes to say,,, we do not like to say "fire" around vehicles,,, then around the exhaust manifold, anyplace that it could rub or burn thru. Good luck and let us know. Aaron

 

[265]

Do you have the automatic transmission? If so, your neutral safety switch may not be making good contact. Jiggling the shifter or trying to start in neutral may work. It's a common problem with those switches. The cheap solution is to cross the switch and take your chances with being able to start in any gear.

Other than that, the starter switch should work just like your custom starter wrench. If the switch doesn't do it's job, there is something wrong with the wiring. I'd replace the whole circuit.

Chris in Texas

 

[Phytoplankton]

Aaron, thanks for the ideas. I replaced the wire from the pust button starter to the solenoid, the wire tested as good, but I replaced it with a heavier gauge wire (10 Ga.). I found the problem at the solenoid, apparently the PO put no washers or lock nuts where the wires attached to the solenoid post, and as a result they had backed off a little (and were coated with grease) and were not making a good contact. Put on some washers and a lock washer and really tightened down the nut. Works perfect now!! Thanks!!!

Chris, that was a good idea, except my nuetral safety switch is eith non operable or non existent, since it will start in gear (I learned that the hard way when I ran over my foot, right after I first aquirred old blue!)