Click and squeal won't start

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  • Erik M.
    Low Range
    • Mar 2007
    • 45

    Click and squeal won't start

    Title sums it up. I have managed to get it to reluctantly turn over a couple of times after sitting, but after checking the battery, cleaning up the contacts and grounds, and even installing a brand-new solenoid, I am left with the death click followed by the squeal. Starter was rebuilt back in May. Was running fine until the temps dropped, and this has been the problem since.
  • busboy
    2nd Gear
    • Nov 2012
    • 202

    #2
    Could the coolant be frozen and the fan belt is squealing on the frozen water pump pulley. Try turning the engine over with the crank handle.
    1971 series 2a 88, series 3 trans, Fairey OD, owned since 1978.

    Comment

    • Erik M.
      Low Range
      • Mar 2007
      • 45

      #3
      Thanks, BB, but the squeal sounds like it's coming from the firewall, and happens after the click when I turn the key. Then nada.

      Comment

      • busboy
        2nd Gear
        • Nov 2012
        • 202

        #4
        I would still try turning the engine with the crank handle, if you can turn it over try starting it with the crank. The engine could still be frozen and the squeal could be the starter solenoid?
        1971 series 2a 88, series 3 trans, Fairey OD, owned since 1978.

        Comment

        • Erik M.
          Low Range
          • Mar 2007
          • 45

          #5
          Ok, rolled it over a couple of times by hand, (not to start it) and turned the key and got it going. Still made the squeal when it turned the switch.

          Comment

          • Erik M.
            Low Range
            • Mar 2007
            • 45

            #6
            Shut it off and tried it again...and back to nothing. Squeal coming from solenoid.

            Comment

            • I Leak Oil
              Overdrive
              • Nov 2006
              • 1796

              #7
              You may not be getting enough juice to keep the contacts latched. Or not enough juice to turn the starter. I'm completely serious when I say this, my lawn tractor squeels when the battery is under charged or is dying. The starter wants to turn but because there are no longer enough amps it just squeels. I replace the battery in that damn tractor every 3 years or so and it does the same thing every time.

              How did you check the battery? Just the idle voltage or did you load test it? The battery cables could be bad too even though the connections are clean. Get a set of jumper cables direct to the starter and see what it does. Work your way back from there.
              Jason
              "Clubs are for Chumps" Club president

              Comment

              • Erik M.
                Low Range
                • Mar 2007
                • 45

                #8
                Battery was checked and topped up at Sears. I guess I'll throw it on the charger and start fresh. Thanks for the suggestions so far. This is frustrating to say the least.

                Comment

                • busboy
                  2nd Gear
                  • Nov 2012
                  • 202

                  #9
                  Check the head lights are brightly lit when on, if not it could be the battery is low but it may also be the body ground is bad but the engine ground is good. This would mean the solenoid is not getting 12 volts to keep it engaged.
                  1971 series 2a 88, series 3 trans, Fairey OD, owned since 1978.

                  Comment

                  • I Leak Oil
                    Overdrive
                    • Nov 2006
                    • 1796

                    #10
                    Don't get frustrated. These are very simple electrical systems and if you go at them methodically you'll find it pretty quick. Get another car and get a set of jumper cables, - side to a good ground on the block, + side to the + lug on the starter. If it turns then you can work back from the starter from there. A test light and multimeter can get you a lot of info quick.
                    Jason
                    "Clubs are for Chumps" Club president

                    Comment

                    • Wolf323i
                      Low Range
                      • Jan 2013
                      • 15

                      #11
                      I had a lot of hard starting and slow starting and after a lot of frustrating days found it to be the actual wires ( from the battery to the starter and so on) this problem will mimic all the others eg. Low battery, bad starter ect ect.

                      Comment

                      • akrvr
                        Low Range
                        • May 2010
                        • 26

                        #12
                        I agree. I replaced everything including the starter and still no start. The last thing I did was put a jumper cable from battery ground to starter and presto! If replacing starter, definitely go with the high torque starters.

                        Comment

                        • BobJones
                          Low Range
                          • Jun 2008
                          • 61

                          #13
                          Mine did the same, I thought I had checked the grounds but the engine strap wasn't good enough. I put another ground strap and new hardware on and problem was solved. After wasting money on a new starter and battery though!

                          Comment

                          • Erik M.
                            Low Range
                            • Mar 2007
                            • 45

                            #14
                            Well, it took me a week to get around to it, but I replaced the worn starter cable and tightened my battery connections and it started right up. Hopefully, it's been sussed. Thanks for all the help.

                            Comment

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