Starter engaging but not spinning.

[68FURYVIP]

Got a 1968 plymouth fury vip I've put a new starter and new battery on the car starter engaging through the key and I've got power to the rest of the car but can't figure out why the starter won't spin just one click from it. I've taken the starter to get tested and seen it spin but won't do it on the car. Even wire brushed where the starter bolts to the trans but nothings changed. Yes I have also jumped the starter relay and same result just a click from the starter. Also used another starter relay to see if it was that but nope. Any help with this would be appreciated.

 

[Davea Lux]

Check the main power cable running to the starter from the battery, you probably have a corroded connection someplace. If that does not work, try using your jumper cables to create a ground from the negative battery cable to the engine block.

Dave

 

[halifaxhops]

to me it sounds like the gear actuaor is stuck or a weak starter solenoid on the starter

 

[Gerald Morris]

to me it sounds like the gear actuaor is stuck or a weak starter solenoid on the starter

I suspect the solenoid. The OP states that he has "seen it spin but won't do it on the car." I would run an additional PAIR of main conductors: one directly from the battery + post to the main power post on the starter, and the negative post to the starter's metallic shell. I then would try putting power momentarily direct from the battery post to the solenoid's actuator lead. If it just sit's there then we can be sure of a conductor issue inside the solenoid. If on the other hand, it spins up, without turning the engine, we can look at the actuator.

Seeing them spin on the workbench gives cause for hope, but as you observe, if the actuator get's stuck, or the solenoid doesn't pull it well due to a shorted coil usually, then the solenoid warrants replacement. Recall I had this **** crop up on a (NOT SO) "Tuff Stuff" starter about 12.5 months after purchasing and installing it. The bastards wouldn't cut me ANY $lack on it either, so I'm boycotting them.

THEN, about 7 weeks ago, I dragged it out from under my work bench, put some jumper cables on it, and ECCE! the damned thing spun up righteously. IFF I can get it to do so consistently, I'll keep it as a "cradle starter" but I won't dare use it on the street again.

 

[Big_John]

Got a 1968 plymouth fury vip I've put a new starter and new battery on the car starter engaging through the key and I've got power to the rest of the car but can't figure out why the starter won't spin just one click from it. I've taken the starter to get tested and seen it spin but won't do it on the car. Even wire brushed where the starter bolts to the trans but nothings changed. Yes I have also jumped the starter relay and same result just a click from the starter. Also used another starter relay to see if it was that but nope. Any help with this would be appreciated.

Was it doing this before the starter and battery change?