Move the start control switch in order to activate the starting solenoids. The starting solenoid's operation can be heard as the pinions of the starting motors are engaged with the ring gear on the engine flywheel.
If a solenoid for a starting motor will not operate, it is possible that the current from the battery did not reach the solenoid. Fasten one lead of the multimeter to the connection (terminal) for the battery cable on the solenoid. Put the other lead to a good ground. A zero reading indicates that there is a broken circuit from the battery. More testing is necessary when there is a voltage reading on the multimeter.
The solenoid operation also closes the electric circuit to the motor. Connect one lead of the multimeter to the solenoid connection (terminal) that is fastened to the motor. Put the other lead to a good ground. Activate the starting solenoid and look at the multimeter. A reading of the battery voltage shows that the problem is in the motor. The motor must be removed for further testing. A zero reading on the multimeter shows that the solenoid contacts do not close. This is an indication of the need for repair to the solenoid or an adjustment to be made to the starting motor pinion clearance.
Perform a test. Fasten one multimeter lead to the connection (terminal) for the small wire at the solenoid and fasten the other lead to the ground. Look at the multimeter and activate the starting solenoid. A voltage reading shows that the problem is in the solenoid. A zero reading indicates that the problem is in the start switch or the wires for the start switch.
Fasten one multimeter lead to the start switch at the connection (terminal) for the wire from the battery. Fasten the other lead to a good ground. A zero reading indicates a broken circuit from the battery. Make a check of the circuit breaker and wiring. If there is a voltage reading, the problem is in the start switch or in the wires for the start switch.
Starting motors that operate too slowly can have an overload because of too much friction in the engine that is being started. Slow operation of the starting motors can also be caused by a short circuit, loose connections and/or dirt in the motors.
When the solenoid is installed, make an adjustment of the pinion clearance. The adjustment can be made with the starting motor removed.
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| Illustration 1 | g00283572 |
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Connection For Checking Pinion Clearance (1) Ground terminal. (2) SW terminal. (3) Connector. | |
- Install the solenoid without connector (3) from the MOTOR connections (terminal) on the solenoid to the motor.
- Connect a battery, that has the same voltage as the solenoid, to the "SW" terminal (2).
- Connect the other side of the battery to connector (3).
- For a moment, connect a wire from the solenoid connection (terminal), which is marked "MOTOR", to the ground connection (terminal). The pinion will shift to the crank position and the pinion will stay there until the battery is disconnected.
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Illustration 2 g00283574 Pinion Clearance Adjustment
(4) Shaft nut. (5) Pinion. (6) Pinion Clearance. - Push the pinion toward the end with the commutator in order to remove free movement.
- Pinion clearance (6) must be
9.1 mm (0.36 inch) . - In order to adjust the pinion clearance, remove the plug and turn the shaft nut (4).
