starting problem

[billclimbs]

This question is on my 85 Westy..for the past couple of years i have occasionally needed to giggle the steering wheel to get it to start. recently it became more. frequent and tonite at the beach it didnt start for abourt 20 minutes. tried a new key when i got home but that didnt seem to help. it makes the click and buzz sounds but wont turn over..a short somewhere?

[rcook52459]

1st check to make sure connections are tight at starter and battery.have battery checked.if all checks out replace ignition switch
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85 westy tiico conversion.auto trans triumph TR250 1980 Suzuki GS1000l

[billclimbs]

i will replace the switch...what is this pin they speak of on other threads...should this be replaced as well??

[billclimbs]

i ordered a beck arnley replacement switch...that a good brand?

[dhaavers]

Should be good as you can do nowadays. Get another spare for your
glovebox: the quality on these parts doesn't seem to be getting any
better, and you may need to do your next swap AT the beach...
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[billclimbs]

put in a new swith..the old one was cracked..evidence of the oil leaking out...but still it only clicks when i turn the key...checked the battery terminals...where are the other places i should check for ground, ect?

[randywebb]

oil leaked out of the ignition switch?
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[billclimbs]

i read somewhere that it had oil in it to prevent arcing?...whatever..there is a new one in..could it be the starter.i have forgotten what a starter acts like befor it dies

[Ahwahnee]

[rcook52459]

take starter out and take to local auto parts store(they'll test it 4 free) and have them test it,if all connections are tight and battery is fully charged
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85 westy tiico conversion.auto trans triumph TR250 1980 Suzuki GS1000l

[randywebb]

someone might have sprayed oil into the ignition switch, thinking that would cure a problem (like the one you are having)

the oil mechanical portion of the ignition switch should be lubricated periodically, just like other keyways, but a better choice is to hose the key down with Teflon spray and then insert it a few times
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[randywebb]

" it [] clicks when i turn the key"

this means some power is getting to the solenoid, so you have eliminated some possible issues

absolutely, remove power before pulling the starter out

see the FAQ for pics of where gnds are located (for some years) and clean them all
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1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans.

[billclimbs]

i was going to add a ground to the starter...what size wire would you use

[billclimbs]

i was going to add a ground to the starter...what size wire does this need

[Tobias Duncan]

Have you tried jumping the starter with a screwdriver?

[billclimbs]

Yes...did that which left only a bad connection. Took the battery ground off, took a grinder to the surface,sanded the connector and started right up. So simple. Check your grounds!!! Even if they look good. Thanks folks.. Get back to my 83 fuel injector problems