sometimes won’t turn over to start

My 82SN will turn over and start sometimes and then others it does nothing. I've replaced the relay solenoid, bypassed the nuetral safety switch, tried a different ignition switch to no avail. I'm thinking it may be a loose wire or shorted wire between the ignition and the control lever on down to the relay and trans. When I jump the relay with screwdrivers it starts fine, I can shut off and it might start right back up using ignition or it might not. I noticed when it doesn't that there is a pull on the voltmeter. Any help would be appreciated. I've looked at a lot of posts on this subject and I think I have tried the different solutions i.e. nuetral safety bypass, relay solenoid etc.   Any other advice?

Thanks,

Well it sounds like you've done the big things, how about the little? Tried replacing battery wires? How hot do they get when you try to start and it won't go?

Good question. I'll check at lunch to see the CCA. The PO did mention that the cable from the relay to the starter might need replacing but I don't know if he knew what he was talking about. That might be the problem in and of itself. A CC dealer told me to exchange the relay I bought with another one and get a new cable. I don't think they get hot when it acts up. Good ideas though, thanks guys!

Thanks, Jimbo. I didn't have a chance to go by the house at lunch. I will work on it tonight and let you guys know what I find. I just can't think of anything else other than the new solenoid being bad.

Jeff, I used a test light last night and it looks like the problem is in the solenoid. I am going to get a new one today. I tested the ignition wire to the solenoid and it lit every time. I tested the solenoid itself via clicking sound and it did it for a few times and then nothing. Wait awhile and it would work a few times and then nothing. Pretty sure it's the solenoid. Showed 11.4 volts on battery cable at solenoid.

Has new battery 850 CCA, I see no reason why the cables would be a prob. They checked out from an OHM continuity check. I have cleaned and or wire brush/file areas for grounds. I will liet you guys know if this doesn't work. I think I may have turned the mounting posts on the other soenoid when I tightened up the cables. Oh well, we'll see. I just don't see it as a big problem.

Thanks 79! I will double check my voltage reading. The meter was kinda funky. DC volt range selections were like 3, 12, 60, 300 or something and I just chose the 12. I may not be reading it right.

     If the batt cables were that bad (resistive), then the engine would barely crank, or crank real slow. Again, Im not saying youre cables are 100%, but they seem like they are functioning ok. If your test light lights across the small terminals on the solenoid, then the solenoid is bad. Replacing batt cables wont help the failure of that solenoid as it has a internal mechanical problem making it engage. If "no click" happens, hitting the solenoid with the key still in crank mode will usually free it up and engage. Good luck!!!

                                   Jeff...

jeff are you having a hard time reading??? no one said replace, I said check and if the cable is undersized then it can cause problems

79nautique wrote: Sounds like your going to have the same problem once get the new solenoid, maybe you should spend your money on battery cables/cleaning, and a battery.

    79, I do miss things, no ones perfect, but this is what you wrote.

    tcarden, glad to see it running right!!

                                    Jeff...