Won't turn over

[Ranbo1]

Rode 200 miles. Got home and parked my recently aquired 84 Interstate. Next morning it just clicked. Batt checked 13.5v in and out of solonoid but just a click. Took starter off, looked dirty but alright. Cleaned it, hooked it to charger, and it turned. Any ideas. Got a mechanic dying to make my money

[bluewing]

Did you do a load test on the battery? If the battery is good you could try the solenoid test, if you don't know how to do the test try the search option, Tricky has it posted.

[neoracer]

voltages and current flow are not the same,make sure all your cables and connections are clean and tight,after you have load tested the battery and w/o positive results i'd take the starter to a alt repair shop for a test

will the starter work if you short the solenoid terminals?

[Ranch55]

1) Check main power cables and grounding points
2) Make certain battery is good
3) Sounds as if your starter inspection confirmed good starter
4) Jump across main solenoid terminals to see if starter turns and engages
if not, solenoid is faulty and needs replacement --also check the terminal connection
junction points (4) on the solenoid
5) If you haven't done so, replace the OEM main 30A dogbone fuse with a plug-in fuse

[bs175dths]

When it just 'clicked', did you smell anything electrical burning?
Just for kicks, hand turn the engine. (remove spark plugs, install starter if not already, remove cap at back of stator and hand turn engine as when changing timing belts)
If it turns okay, with spark plugs still removed, see if starter will work as it should.
If you still get just a click, try by-passing the solenoid (as was previously suggested).
Solenoid may be defective. Light tapping with a rubber mallet may free it up, but still warrants replacement.

Good Luck and keep us updated.

Thanks

[Ranbo1]

Thanks for all the input guys. Going to check battery tomorrow. I did jump the poles on solenoid, didn't get anything but grinding. If the bettery checks good, I'll suspect solenoid. When it come to electrical, I'm pretty much just a parts replacer. Got a little time anyway. Had to order exaust gaskets. Ready to ride now though. I'll keep you posted.
Didn't smell anyting hot and motor turns freely

[bs175dths]

cool 8)

[Ranbo1]

Well, I pulled the battery and the first thing I noticed was water level low. Didn't think to check after a 13.5v reading. Load test was zilch. Good thing ya can't see me, probably look as dumb as I feel. Good thing is all connections clean, starter cleaned w/ new o-ring, and new exaust gaskets(needed badly) Ready to ride. Thanks guys. Will be tearing it down this winter. Be ready for me.

[neoracer]

make sure you check the charging voltage when its running,could be the regulator has gone bad and you are charging higher than 14.8V and boiling the water out

[Ranbo1]

Thanks, that's next.