Lyall

Truck does not turn over (starter will not engage). A click is heard but no starter - I'm thinking solenoid contacts. Checked the battery voltage and it was 12.8v. Just for interest sake, I tried to jump start it with my VW and it started easy. Both batteries are 1 year old. Was it coincidence that it decided to start with my VW hooked up to it? This happened last week but I let it sit for 2 minutes and it started right away. I want to put a "LarryB's" solenoid/contact kit in but don't think I can get it here (Ottawa, Canada) in time - leaving on trout trip in 4 days. Any ideas or suggestions? Is it possible that something is bleeding my batteries down to the point of no power but still a good voltage reading?
Lyall
bm271@ncf.ca

slevhansen

if you put a voltmeter on it, and then turn the key, if batteries are bad you will see voltage drop to like 6 or so volts, if it doesn´t drop, batteries are good and you look for relays or fuses.
That´s a start, hope it helps, gotta get you fishing.....

Tate

My last starter failed in a similar fashion. It was hit and miss when it would work and when it wouldn't. The fact that your truck was hooked to the VW could just be a coincidence.

9812vram

Two issues with your starter can cause that problem:
1. Burnt or "bad" spot in the starter - sometimes with enough extra voltage and amps it is enough to get it to spin over. Bar the engine over a bit so the starter teeth engage on different teeth in the ring gear. If the teeth are not perfectly lined up it will turn the starter over slightly when the drive teeth meet - sometimes this is enough to get it going. It will work again until the starter stops at the "dead spot" again.
2. Brushes are worn - same story - boosting adds voltage and amperage making just enough connection to get the starter to turn.
Next time it won't start, smack the starter with a hammer a couple times, then see if it starts. If it does - it's brushes.
Hope that helps ya

Lil Dog

Get your parts here and just put new contacts in the starter. If the brushes look worn, you can replace them too..

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

Lyall

Thanks Guys - looks like it was the starter contacts - got a rebuild shop to replace the contacts (HD) on the spot for $55 - included testing.