1972 Travelall - Starting Issues

[tsmall07]

Hello all. I got my T'all a few months ago and have been fixing things here and there. It hasn't stopped running on me until now. I'm having an issue with the truck not starting. It just clicks when I turn the key. I've had an issue in the past where the starter motor starts cranking the motor even with the key off. I replaced the starter solenoid thinking that was the issue (it was broken), but I've had the issue a couple times since. Now, the truck is stuck at my office and won't start. It rained yesterday before it stopped working and last night. Today I went out and found that the underside of the dash is soaking wet. It appears I have a significant rain water leak behind the dash. I think I'm suspecting the ignition switch now. I opened the windows so that it can dry out some today. Maybe the moisture is causing the issue. The motor is not locked up. Do you guys have any ideas?

What do I cross to bypass the ignition switch to test the starter motor? I don't have my manual with me.

Thanks for the help! Here are some pictures of the truck.

[Doc Stewart]

Rain: no go. Moisture. WD40 spray on all the ignition wiring: coil, distributor [inside and out], plug wires, bulkhead connector.

See if it goes.

[tsmall07]

Originally Posted by Doc Stewart

Rain: no go. Moisture. WD40 spray on all the ignition wiring: coil, distributor [inside and out], plug wires, bulkhead connector.

See if it goes.

I'm not sure if I described the issue well enough, but it's the starter that won't operate. The engine isn't turning over.

[RobertC]

Nice T/A...

Doubt the ignition switch, but you may want to check the wiring plug on the back of the switch for burnt wires...

The water generally runs onto the metal support along the bottom of the dash.

Did you do anything else to the starter besides replace the solenoid?

Personally, my guess would be the starter brushes, but... before that

Check the battery for full charge; the battery cables; clean the battery posts and recheck the wire connections at the starter / solenoid.

[scoutboy74]

The seal around your windshield is compromised. That's your water leak. Most likely unrelated to your non-start issue. As already stated...verify battery condition as well as all cables/wires between it and solenoid. Surface charge of a fully charged battery is @ 12.8 volts with no load. Measure voltage at the large solenoid terminal. It should be nearly identical to what you get at the battery. You can jump from the large terminal to the 'S' terminal, but be sure you are out of gear.

[tsmall07]

Thanks for the advice. I've not done anything to the starter other than the solenoid. My truck does not have a heat shield between the exhaust and the starter. I think that was the cause of the demise of the previous starter solenoid. How long would you expect a solenoid to last without a heat shield? I was planning to make one, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

[scoutboy74]

Depends on how much its being driven. Long daily commuter would go quicker than an occasional user, but I wouldn't expect a sudden death in either case. Intermittent failure especially when things have heat soaked for 20 minutes after being shut down is most problematic.

[tsmall07]

While we're here, what is this thing? It's installed on the fender in the ground battery cable between the battery and the engine ground. What is it's purpose?

[scoutboy74]

You're sure those are negative cables? That looks like a remote starter relay to me.

[tsmall07]

I got the ignition switch out and there is a red wire on the main connector that is pretty toasty and the connector is melted. Looks like there may have been a small fire in there. Anyone know what the red wire is for?

Originally Posted by scoutboy74

You're sure those are negative cables? That looks like a remote starter relay to me.

Yes, I'm sure. The positive cables run through the picture behind the "relay" (or whatever it is).