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Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:16 am

cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: BarryL wrote: If you turn the engine using a wrench on the pulley nut what happens?

The engine spins freely when doing the above.

As for the relay...I ordered a new and should receive in the next day or two. Will update once that is checked off.

Other than days like today, that relay is readily available at any local parts place. Probably under fifteen bucks, too.

Well it wasn't the relay. The only thing to do now is pull the starter and have it tested. As I mentioned before, I crossed the starter to the battery and it whirled into action but didn't cross the battery to the solenoid. By doing the latter is that effectively "hot wiring"? I did check the terminals and connections at the ignition switch which were tight and non-corroded.

Sat Jan 07, 2023 11:51 am

Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: BarryL wrote: If you turn the engine using a wrench on the pulley nut what happens?

The engine spins freely when doing the above.

As for the relay...I ordered a new and should receive in the next day or two. Will update once that is checked off.

Other than days like today, that relay is readily available at any local parts place. Probably under fifteen bucks, too.

Well it wasn't the relay. The only thing to do now is pull the starter and have it tested. As I mentioned before, I crossed the starter to the battery and it whirled into action but didn't cross the battery to the solenoid. By doing the latter is that effectively "hot wiring"? I did check the terminals and connections at the ignition switch which were tight and non-corroded.

Before pulling the starter, try jumping across the terminals on the solenoid. A crappy screwdriver or pliers is best, since it will make sparks and try to weld things. Wear safety squints, and make damn sure the bus is in neutral.

Also, did you try turning the engine over by hand to feel for binding? Simple and free tests are always worth the time it takes.

Sat Jan 21, 2023 4:48 pm

cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: BarryL wrote: If you turn the engine using a wrench on the pulley nut what happens?

The engine spins freely when doing the above.

As for the relay...I ordered a new and should receive in the next day or two. Will update once that is checked off.

Other than days like today, that relay is readily available at any local parts place. Probably under fifteen bucks, too.

Well it wasn't the relay. The only thing to do now is pull the starter and have it tested. As I mentioned before, I crossed the starter to the battery and it whirled into action but didn't cross the battery to the solenoid. By doing the latter is that effectively "hot wiring"? I did check the terminals and connections at the ignition switch which were tight and non-corroded.

Before pulling the starter, try jumping across the terminals on the solenoid. A crappy screwdriver or pliers is best, since it will make sparks and try to weld things. Wear safety squints, and make damn sure the bus is in neutral.

Also, did you try turning the engine over by hand to feel for binding? Simple and free tests are always worth the time it takes.

Jumped across the solenoid terminals; it cranked once. Also when under bus I cleaned the trans ground strap. Still same one crank. I am able to manually turn the engine. I figure bad starter. Thoughts??

Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:04 pm

Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: BarryL wrote: If you turn the engine using a wrench on the pulley nut what happens?

The engine spins freely when doing the above.

As for the relay...I ordered a new and should receive in the next day or two. Will update once that is checked off.

Other than days like today, that relay is readily available at any local parts place. Probably under fifteen bucks, too.

Well it wasn't the relay. The only thing to do now is pull the starter and have it tested. As I mentioned before, I crossed the starter to the battery and it whirled into action but didn't cross the battery to the solenoid. By doing the latter is that effectively "hot wiring"? I did check the terminals and connections at the ignition switch which were tight and non-corroded.

Before pulling the starter, try jumping across the terminals on the solenoid. A crappy screwdriver or pliers is best, since it will make sparks and try to weld things. Wear safety squints, and make damn sure the bus is in neutral.

Also, did you try turning the engine over by hand to feel for binding? Simple and free tests are always worth the time it takes.

Jumped across the solenoid terminals; it cranked once. Also when under bus I cleaned the trans ground strap. Still same one crank. I am able to manually turn the engine. I figure bad starter. Thoughts??

Engine turns over smooth by hand? Just your normal high compression spots, nothing binding?

It does appear that maybe the starter is faulty. Probably worth a try replacing it. Might as well get one of those meant for an auto stick car, then you need not worry about the support bushing in the transmission housing. Also, it can more easily be bench tested in the future since the main shaft is self-supported..

Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:32 pm

cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: cdennisg wrote: Dubskii wrote: BarryL wrote: If you turn the engine using a wrench on the pulley nut what happens?

The engine spins freely when doing the above.

As for the relay...I ordered a new and should receive in the next day or two. Will update once that is checked off.

Other than days like today, that relay is readily available at any local parts place. Probably under fifteen bucks, too.

Well it wasn't the relay. The only thing to do now is pull the starter and have it tested. As I mentioned before, I crossed the starter to the battery and it whirled into action but didn't cross the battery to the solenoid. By doing the latter is that effectively "hot wiring"? I did check the terminals and connections at the ignition switch which were tight and non-corroded.

Before pulling the starter, try jumping across the terminals on the solenoid. A crappy screwdriver or pliers is best, since it will make sparks and try to weld things. Wear safety squints, and make damn sure the bus is in neutral.

Also, did you try turning the engine over by hand to feel for binding? Simple and free tests are always worth the time it takes.

Jumped across the solenoid terminals; it cranked once. Also when under bus I cleaned the trans ground strap. Still same one crank. I am able to manually turn the engine. I figure bad starter. Thoughts??

Engine turns over smooth by hand? Just your normal high compression spots, nothing binding?

It does appear that maybe the starter is faulty. Probably worth a try replacing it. Might as well get one of those meant for an auto stick car, then you need not worry about the support bushing in the transmission housing. Also, it can more easily be bench tested in the future since the main shaft is self-supported..

Removed the starter. As you can see, the bushing is bad and there were shavings everywhere. Cleaned it up and will pick up a new starter similar to what cdennisg showed above. Hopefully this pig will fire up once replaced!!?? Will report back as soon as I can.

Sun Jan 22, 2023 5:50 pm

Well, there you go. You can replace that old bushing if you want (use a thread tap, turn it into the old bushing, then pry it out. The new one just taps into place), and reinstall that starter, but the self supported version is a simple swap. Maybe next time you have the engine out, swap out that bushing (super easy with no engine in there) so if you have another start failure, you can fit either style back in there in a pinch.

Wed Mar 29, 2023 1:02 pm

Got her to fired up and cruise around! Ultimate diagnosis...multiple system failures...Needed a new battery, fuel pump and starter. I replaced the rubber fuel lines and filter for good measure. I appreciate everyone's input.

Wed Mar 29, 2023 4:38 pm

Nice to hear it got all worked out.