Well, I cheered to soon. I have had a problem with a non-engaging started on my 3.5 coupe (see my Bosch SR59X post). Bought a remanufactured starter on ebay, installed it and thought I had it fixed. Now I have the same problem again but with the new starter. Starter solenoid clicks but starter does not engage until after 5-6 tries (not consistent - sometimes it starts on first try, sometimes it takes longer). Once it engages, starter runs at normal speed.

I had the battery checked this afternoon and it was good: it had 600+ CCA in it (rated at 700 new).

Starter spins if solenoid is bypassed.

Cables, terminals have been cleaned (several times now).

I measure 12+V on the main starter terminal (thick cable) so that looks good.

BUT, I measure only 9.3 V on one of the starter solenoid terminals (the one with the thick screw closest to the main terminal). I also measure 9.3 V on the same wire where it is connected to the connector block behind the alternator.

Is that 9.3V normal?? Shouldn't that be 12 V? Where does that wire get its voltage from?

So, do I have 2 bad starters or a circuit problem in my car?

Thanks,

Bert (who is thoroughly puzzled right now and suspects D-jet electrical Gremlins have taken over his car)

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'70 111 280SE/c 3.5 (4 spd manual) - sold
'63 MGB
'73 MGBGT V8