Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I have been away from home for a few months. I returned for a few days and tried to take my 67 1600 out for a quick trip and the car is dead. I charged the battery and the gauges, lights, and blower all come on, but there is nothing from the starter. The solenoid doesn't even click. I removed both battery leads and cleaned all contacts even on the started (real pain) but still get nothing when the ignition is tried. Is there something else I should check? The car ran fine when I deployed and my wife (Who failed her mission) was suppose to start the car at least monthly never touched it so it has sat. Any troubleshooting ideas? Thanks in advance. Buddy

Buddy,

Check for voltage at the starter itself with the key in the start position. If you have voltage there ( test light is easier) Then give the starter a few raps with a bar or something of some weight, careful not to hit the positive lead..... many sparks, intense heat and foul langauge will insue if you do.
The solenoid is stuck or bad. Get a new OEM solenoid if that is indeed the case.

Enjoy,

JC

Thanks JC I will start there. Is the test from the positive lead to any ground or do I need to use that large braided ground that goes into the starters case? Buddy

Buddy,

Check the wires on the back of the ignition switch, the connector for the starter pigtail and the small solenoid wire connection as well. Clean them well and make sure that they are secure.

I recommend you take the wife out for a fancy dinner to set things right.
After dinner suggest that it would be nice to take a romantic ride around in the roadster with the top down. If she agrees, get her to push start the car and you're off to the races.
I have no more suggestions other than checking all your engine to frame ground straps for poor connections.

Ray B.

My car seems to have contracted the same issue (on top of everything else ) I replaced all the positive wires to the starter, the ground strap from the battery, the 2 wires from the harness, and still nothing. It will be replaced along with the waterpump, the transmission, and the radiator cap. I can't even arc the starter to get it to work. It sparks a little, but does nothing. No clicking, just a whole lot of nothing.

Will

Sid's suggestion above would be my guess with a little refinement. The two pigtails off of the ignition are often in need of resoldering for a more solid contact. All of the above suggestions were good, I personally would check the pitail connections. Good luck. Sam

I agree on the pigtail problem. When I bought my car the PO had not been able to get it to start. Turned out to be the lst pigtail up from the starter where it connects just before going through the firewall. This connection was GREEN on all the pins. Took it apart, green Scotch brited the connections, dialectric grease back together.......Vroooommmmm.

Scott