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posted on April 29th, 2003 at 10:01 PM
Won't Start
My 69 beetle won't start.
Just turn the key and nothing.
I thought it was the solenoid on the starter, crossed the contacts, got sparks but nothing.
So I changed the starter for another I had and got a fast clack-clack-clack sound like the solenoid was working, but wasn't turning the engine
over. After a couple of trys, the clacking stopped and now turning the key gives me a single small click and silence.
Any ideas?
I previously had the problem of not enough power reaching the starter, but I've installed a relay to feed the starter directly from the battery,
rather than going up to the switch and back, so I know thats not the problem.
I've also put in a new ignition switch, so I know thats not the problem.
The contacts are all clean.
I'm stumped. Please help.
Grey 57
A.k.a.: Dean
Son of Jim - Creator of Good
Old Grey Cruiser
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posted on April 29th, 2003 at 10:25 PM
can you turn the motor over by hand. Say by turning the generator pulley.?
Purple Martin
A.k.a.: Martin
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posted on April 30th, 2003 at 10:05 AM
hehe, flat battery!
The fast clack-clack happens when the battery is low but with just enough juice to close the solenoid. As soon as it's closed the extra current
drain through the starter is enough that the solenoid no longer has enough to stay closed, so it opens. Then there's enough to close it again,
etc. So the fast clack-clack is the solenoid closing and opening quickly.
Now the battery doesn't even have enough juice for that.
Try the headlights - they're dim, right?
1959 red & white Beetle
1975 Kombi camper
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posted on April 30th, 2003 at 08:39 PM
Engine is not seized, and I thought that the battery was OK, the lights didn't seem that dim, but I'll put it on a charger tonight and see
how it is in the morning.
I've been driving it Ok, and haven't left the lights on, what would cause it to just go flat?
posted on April 29th, 2003 at 10:01 PM
