QuestionI bought a 1976 1500 that needed TLC overall and specifically a new head gasket. When I put it back together it would barely crank and actually starting was out of the question. I've been going crazy trying to figure out why, but I think in the process I might have fried my starter motor.
I charged up the battery overnight, and the starter motor cranked strong, but, other than a chuff, it would not catch. While cranking, the wire from the solenoid got hot and a whiff of smoke rose from the starter motor.
Now, I only hear a click when I turn the key. If I put a wrench on the starter motor and turn it, it will crank. The cranking does not last long before it acts like the battery is dead. Then, when I charge up the battery again, I need to hand-turn the starter motor before it will crank again.
Why did the wire heat up? Is the starter motor fried? Could I have just fried the battery (which was suspect from the start)?
AnswerHi Tom,
You first need to check the engine to see that it is not locking up. Put a wrench on the front pulley bolt and rotate the engine by hand to see. Then remove the starter and take it to most any auto parts store and ask if they have a Starter/Alternator tester. They will test the starter for free usually.
For a starter cable to get hot, either your engine is locking up or the starter is bad.
Howard
