Starter clicks and spins but does not always engage

[GDOG_PITBULL]

I am going to shoot it!!!

So, I have cleaned all the metal contact places to a bright and shiny finish and still have the issues. I can try and try, then about the 30th attempt it will engage. I am beginning to suspect that the battery may just not have enough kick to make the bendix thing engage. What say you crew?
Thanks
G

 

[narow37]

i say weak battery

 

[woodbutcher]

check the resistance of the battery cables. may be corroded.

 

[reloaderbmg]

after 30 trys "then" it starts!!! CORRODED CONTACKS [IN SIDE STARTER]

 

[linx]

Maybe weak battery and the bendix isn't fully engaging?

 

[Five Five]

If it's not engaging, but you could hear it spinnin...I would check the Jack shaft assy.....make sure the bolt that holds the assembly in place, didn't back out....

 

[panheadsully]

It's probably the soldered joint that goes into solenoid. Check for cracks, may have to resolder it.

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

Got a buddy that runs a shop so he should be able to loan me a known good battery and we will see if that changes things!
Thanks
G

 

[lee]

if your battery allows 30 attempts then it seems pretty strong to me

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

But that is with the battery tender still attached and remember, that's a spin without cranking the motor
G

 

[Sporadic]

Assuming the battery is good and all cabling has clean contacts and everything is grounded properly. Does it ever grind or clank? Did this just start happening or has it been getting worse over time? Have you checked the bendix gear and made sure the jackshaft isn't sticking? The bendix gear on my old 01 Mastiff was eaten up pretty bad and didn't want to engage all the time. By metal contacts I assume you where talking about the solenoid? It's easy to tweak the post on the solenoid when tightening the battery cable. With the battery **disconnected**, engage the plunger manually and make sure the plunger is engaging flat on the contacts in the solenoid. And on the contacts, if you're seeing just single arc spots the plunger probably isn't fully engaging and the starter isn't getting enough juice. Don't know about an 04 bull but it was relatively easy to access the solenoid on my 01 mastiff without removing anything. Possible to post a pic of the solenoid contacts and bendix gear? I'm no expert but sure others on here would have an opinion of what's going on. Good luck!

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

Assuming the battery is good and all cabling has clean contacts and everything is grounded properly. Does it ever grind or clank? Did this just start happening or has it been getting worse over time? Have you checked the bendix gear and made sure the jackshaft isn't sticking? The bendix gear on my old 01 Mastiff was eaten up pretty bad and didn't want to engage all the time. By metal contacts I assume you where talking about the solenoid? It's easy to tweak the post on the solenoid when tightening the battery cable. With the battery **disconnected**, engage the plunger manually and make sure the plunger is engaging flat on the contacts in the solenoid. And on the contacts, if you're seeing just single arc spots the plunger probably isn't fully engaging and the starter isn't getting enough juice. Don't know about an 04 bull but it was relatively easy to access the solenoid on my 01 mastiff without removing anything. Possible to post a pic of the solenoid contacts and bendix gear? I'm no expert but sure others on here would have an opinion of what's going on. Good luck!

The whole thing seems to be just not enough whatever to get the bendix to pop out and engage. Not sure if the spring is causing it of what the deal is????
G

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

Well, cleaned every fucking thing I could find and with a great charge on the battery, it still clicks and fucking spins! Help me decide.....45 ACP, 45 GAP, .223 or 7.62
I have a several large hammers that might fit the bill also

G

 

[Little-Boo]

Well, cleaned every fucking thing I could find and with a great charge on the battery, it still clicks and fucking spins! Help me decide.....45 ACP, 45 GAP, .223 or 7.62
I have a several large hammers that might fit the bill also

G

Do you have a 50 cal that will remove all finger prints :lol:

I had a similar situation this past weekend. My dog is always on the tender. I went to start it and it turned over good, I gave the throttle another twist and tried again and it just went click and I kept on trying and nothing. It wanted to, but just wouldn't turn. I took the seat off and notice the neg post was hot I mean hot as hell. I looked around and touched the cable going to the starter and it was just as hot. So the problem was that the neg post has ripped a small hole on the bottom of the seat pad and was shorting out the starter. I tried it with the seat off and it fired right up. Good thing I don't have an EHC or that would be fried for sure . So I changed the wires from the top of the battery to the side to get more clearance. It all seems to be good for now. I have a Braille Battery and I plan on dropping the battery tray down a little to make a little more room just case my ass gets bigger :lol: I sure don't want that to happen again. Check your seat make sure it is not making contact with the Battery terminals.

Carlos

 

[GDOG_PITBULL]

Do you have a 50 cal that will remove all finger prints :lol:

I had a similar situation this past weekend. My dog is always on the tender. I went to start it and it turned over good, I gave the throttle another twist and tried again and it just went click and I kept on trying and nothing. It wanted to, but just wouldn't turn. I took the seat off and notice the neg post was hot I mean hot as hell. I looked around and touched the cable going to the starter and it was just as hot. So the problem was that the neg post has ripped a small hole on the bottom of the seat pad and was shorting out the starter. I tried it with the seat off and it fired right up. Good thing I don't have an EHC or that would be fried for sure . So I changed the wires from the top of the battery to the side to get more clearance. It all seems to be good for now. I have a Braille Battery and I plan on dropping the battery tray down a little to make a little more room just case my ass gets bigger :lol: I sure don't want that to happen again. Check your seat make sure it is not making contact with the Battery terminals.

Carlos

Hey Carlos,
This is occurring with the seat off. I will get this SOB I promise u that!!!...lol
G