Help-starter problem in Azusa, CA

[ccbmster]

Hi everyone,
I am on the road from Michigan and having a starter problem with my 1982 MC9.  I have not had any problems with it starting before and it started fine this morning and again after eating breakfast.  Went back and parked it for an hour and when I went to start it again it just clicks.  Does the same thing from both the front and rear start buttons.  Batteries are all brand new. If it were a regular car I would think that the starter is hung up but I do not know much at all about these old diesels (it is an 8V71).  If anyone has any ideas or is in the area and has any exertise on these things I would really appreciate any help (perfectly willing to pay a bus nut for some help, not necessarily looking for something for nothing).  My cell number is 517-812-4278.  I am parked in the parking lot of Azusa Pacific University.
Thanks in advance,
Michael B. Caro

[Ednj]

I had my starter doing that at one time. What had happened was the 2,  12 point bolts that hold the starter in place were loose.
The starter is accessed through the engine door on the curbside rear.
Maybe you'll get lucky and just have a loose connection?

[Jerry32]

Check your battery connections. see if any of them are warm after trying to start..

[mc8 tin tent]

  Michael
Something to check,the click sound if it was from the starter area,the problem could be in the solenoid (aprox.3" cyclinder on top left of center on the starter) or the connector between the solenoid and the starter( copper "L" bracket ) this could be cracked or bolts loose,also check  the cables going to the starter. BEFORE YOU CHECK THIS MAKE SURE THE BATTERY MASTER SWITCH IS OFF!!!!!!!!!!
  Dwayne
MC8 TINTENT

[Sojourner]

Whenever engine is not cranking while in starting mode.

If starter or starter mounting to bell-housing not loosen....do the following steps;

Use your vom meter (or get inexpensive one). Set it lowest but next above 24 DC volts range. Put Pos test lead on "live" (source from battery) positive on solenoid terminal & Neg test lead on other large post that connect to starter on solenoid terminal.
It should read 24v (if not...be sure test probe making electrical connection or no power from battery. Have someone hit and hold starter button while checking vom for zero voltage ..... if zero volts or less than .5 volt, it solenoid is ok. Otherwise take Neg test lead to chassis Grd while still in starting mode...if non or very low voltage....look for warm or very warm connection (poor connection) joints any where from either battery's posts (+ & -) to Grd & to Solenoid terminal post.
If all connection is good...then solenoid to starter motor mechanical is out of adjustment = worn out. Or if read 24v at starter post after solenoid post, then worn out or hang-up brushes in starter.

Please let us know your finding on post.

Wish you well.

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[Lee Bradley]

All good advice.  Also check the starter side of the solenoid, cable from solenoid to the starter, should show voltage and get warm when the solenoid is engaged. No voltage through the solenoid indicates a bad solenoid switch.  Another possibility is that the starter gear has jammed into the ring gear and locked the starter, that can be solved by loosening the starter mounting bolts enough to let the starter move about an inch up and down. That is enough for the gears to disengage. Good luck. 

[uncle ned]

    If all cables are good and the connections are good   take a big hammer and give it a good whap. will knock it loose from the fly wheel if stuck, bounce the armature enough to get it started. worked on my daughters wv for about a month untill i had time to replsce the starter.

good luck
uncle ned
"huggy Bear"