Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

If you are really careful you can check it on the car like I said. I use a screwdriver to connect the battery cable to the small post where the start wire attaches. If that doesn't spin the starter, then Put the screwdriver across the two large posts. If the starter spins then your solenoid is bad. If it doesn't spin then the starter is bad. Otherwise you have to pull the starter as spyder said. Good luck

My friends:

After all the trials-and-errors, I removed the solenoid from the starter like the last suggestions posted. The screws were so rusted that they broke down, making it impossible for me to remove them. So I drilled them, melted the welding on the wires, and swapped the cover from the old starter (did I mention that I drilled the other one more than I should). I noticed that the terminals on one were very dirty, and on the other one very rusty.......so I cleaned the good ones and put the thing together.

Installed the solenoid, reconnected the wiring....and it fired up right away!!!

I also got to see if my clutch was functional for the first time..(have not moved the car by its own effort since I put it back together!) and it works as well!!! I actually DROVE this baby for the first time!!!!!!!

Too much excitement for one day.......so to all of you who walked me through the process of finding out what was my problem.......THANK YOU!!!!

Jorge

Ha! Amazing how often dirty/poor connections will prevent electricity from doin' its thang.

Great inspiration to hear you're up 'n' running. I'm on my way outside (yippee! no rain!) to install my GB dizzy, MSD coil, new plugs & wires. If I'm lucky, I'll hear my beastie fire up for the first time since November.

Pete:

Thanks for the reply.......and good luck with the project! It's funny how we can wait to hear that sound of roaring engine for years ( in my case it was almost two years) while we work on the resto/rebuild.....and how hard it is afterwards when something stops it briefly!!!!

Have fun!

Jorge

Hey Jorge,

Did you get it to start? I have been out of town and away from a computer...

I skimmed the posts and it looks like either the starter is not getting enough juice (bad +cable or ground) or the starter motor is the issue.

As suggested by others, taking the starter to the autoparts store for an evaluation will really help you diagnose the issue. Then you'll know if there is something wrong with your cables or the starter. From what you have described, I think your ignition switch and secondary wiring is OK, so don't mess with that until the other bases are covered. TR

TR, Jorge did get it started and was very happy!

Joaquin

TR:

Like Joaquin said, I got it to start.....and I AM very happy! It was the terminals in the solenoid after all...now it is back to "one crank starting" again. And being able to start it, allowed me to test the clutch hydrolics as well...and I finally drove it! It was already too much time just being able to start it, adjust it...and stare at it Now I just need a windshield so I can go the distance!

Jorge

Congrats! TR