ignition problem

[OldTruck]

I"m running into one of those intermittent problems.
This doesn't happen every time I go to drive my '87 pu, but it's getting to be more frequent.
The problem is when I turn the key, all I get is a single click. It acts like the voltage is down going to the starter, as in low battery. But, the battery shows to be plenty hot and it's gotten a hit from the battery charger as well. I have cleaned, tightened, brightened, and beat the terminal ends...I am going to get new ends today (don't think that's the fix, but needs doing). The problem is almost like a solenoid is/has gone bad. The truck push starts at a couple of wheel revolutions and runs fine afterward. Jumper cables will usually start the damn thing as well. Most time after push starting or key start, I don't have the problem again, but sometimes it can happen. It's a real pain to have to park thinking if you can get the truck rolling for a bump start.
I'll probably have the battery load tested today, while I'm at the parts store for terminal ends.
Anybody got any other ideas?

[YotaJosh]

The problem is almost like a solenoid is/has gone bad.

This is what it sounds like to me. Pickup another starter, and see if it helps. :2cents:

[79coyotefrg]

before spending the cash for a new starter remove it and get it on a bench, THEN on what would be the front of the starter as it sits when its bolted in, you will find a small metal plate held in with 3 screws, remove that and you will see the solenoid guts, many times the toyota starter only needs the brass contact points inside this little hidey hole

[gittinit]

i have a couple old starters stored at mikes i could let go of one if ya need.

[OldTruck]

Some will remember or out right know first hand that I've had an intermittent ignition problem on my truck. I kinda knew all along that it had to be something in the harness / column. I say this because sometimes I'd "smack" the top of the steering column while holding the key in the start position . . . and the truck would start. Well after 1 year and several 1/2 hearted attempts to diagnois the problem, I finally found it.
Coming off the ignition switch is a 6 or 8 wire bundle that leads into a coupler. Well . . . there was one wire that wasn't completely "inserted" into the coupler on the down hill side. So, the coupler was the short. I pulled the contact blade / receiver from both couplers and "jumped" the coupler. BooYaa!!!! I'm working perfect. Some things are simple, some things aren't, then again some things are just plain annoying.
Stacey
aka OldTruck

[79coyotefrg]

:thumbs: