My starter sounds like it's engaging, but it will not turn over. The motor ain't locked up, and the battery is hot. I also checked all the wires and connections and they are tight. I have put two different starters on it and it does the same thing. What could be the problem? oh and I have an 86 pickup if that would make a difference.

 

Pull all the spark plugs out and see if the engine will crank, you could have a blown head gasket and there might be water in the cylinders causing the engine to lock up.

 

If you take a jumper from the battery or the battery post on your starter to where the much smaller switch wire connects will it turn over? If so then the switch wire isn't supplying enough amps to effectively trigger the switch in the starters you've tried. Do you hear a click or is it turning over but weak?

 

How would a guy fix this issue?

 

Assuming that you are hearing a loud click when you kit the key, here is a quick test:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

And some possible solutions:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions

 

Ok, I ran a jumper wire to the starter and got nothing. A buddy came over and when he turned the key over I noticed that the click I heard wasn't coming from the starter. It was coming from the gold metal box (relay?) that mounts on the fender right past the fuse box. Is this where my problem is at?

 

That sounds like the starter relay:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions

 

Just to clarify "won't turn over" means the starter isn't turning the engine at all?

I agree with the others; either your relay is out or you need new contacts. And since you've already replaced the starter, it is probably the relay.

 

Step 1 with all electrical problems. Check and clean all major grounds (engine grounds). Your starter uses a lot of power. Your grounds might be strong enough for your door chime and head lights to work but not enough for your starter circuit. Follow the advice above about the relay.

 

Ok, the starter won't turn over at all. I replaced the starter relay, and it(the relay) will click one time when I first turn the key. I replaced the ground from the battery and cleaned all other grounds. Now, when I run a jumper wire from the battery to the starter it arcs on the little male connector that's on the starter.

 

(somewhat of a hijack....)

SO the other day, I drove somewhere local, parked, got in 5 minutes later, and went to start the car and..."griiiiiiiiiind".

Sounded something terrible. Like the starter was turning and not engaging maybe? Sounded very violent. I pulled out my "the Club" and whacked my starter a few times...got back in and it turned over just fine.

Any idea what the heck that was????

(end hijack)

 

a bad tooth or two in the flywheel or starter will cause that if it doesn't catch just right, or simply the starter solenoid plunger did not extend out all the way.

 

thanks!

So, not a huge deal to worry about? I thought it was a solenoid and that's why I whacked it.... Is it an indicator of terrible things to come or just a mild inconvenience like I experienced, every once in a while you think?

 

I wouldn't worry about it unless it stats happening more often. probably just the solenoid.