53 Chevy 235 w/12 volt battery - slow crank for last few days. Dead today. Battery still charged (amp meter jumps, radio & headlights work). So I ***ume it's the starter. I have very little experience with working on cars. It looks as though Napa sells the Starter separate from Solenoid. Do I need to replace both or just replace the motor and use solenoid that's on it? Any help is much appreciated. Of course I'm registered for Primer Nationals this weekend. Good timing!
Remove the battery and have it checked at a parts house. If good.. Reinstall, start engine at high idle, get a voltmeter (time to buy one) and run leads to each positive and negative post on the battery. Be sure the volt meter is set on a low voltage reading. Some have a switch for this. You should be reading at high idle around 13-13.5 volts. If you are reading 13.5 volts its time to replace and check all your leads and grounds to the engine, starter, body and frame. If you are positive they are in perfect shape... Have your starter checked out and Replace the starter motor if needed. If you are not reading at 13.5 volts with the voltmeter get back to us.....
COuld I just give a jump start and see if this works? This should tell me if it's the battery or not, right?
Speaking of cables.. the car should be equipped with ("00" size) battery/starter/ground and starter solenoid cables. You should have grounds from the frame to the engine/ from the frame to the body/ from the engine to the body. Clean all the surfaces these are connecting use dielectric grease on them before attaching.
jump starting may get you from point A to B. But it is not the way to diagnose. Nothing more embarr***ing than having a car not start at the Primer Nationals due to problems you had (before) you left . Checking a battery at a parts store is free! Save your money on the voltmeter you will need while your there.
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