[V8] Starting Gremlins

[Stafford, Kenneth A.]

Mike,

I had an almost exact BTDT.  I was certain that the solenoid was ok, because directly jumpering it always worked.  It got to the point that I ran a special jumper wire from the solenoid junction nearest the starter and would simply open the hood and push this wire against the positive remote terminal on the pax fender to start it!

In my case it WAS the solenoid!  The contacts were marginal to the point that the undiminished 12v would do it.   I strongly suggest that you replace the solenoid (available cheap at Autozone, etc).  If you pull the starter you will also undoubtedly find broken parts in the planetary reduction--but that is not causing your problem IMO.

Good luck--it is SO much fun getting to that elusive top starter bolt!

Ken