Starter Trouble
 

Im having a problem with my starter not engaging. When trying to start my car the starter would, basically, freeze up, which would be corrected by, the oh so professional way, of giving it several good knocks with a hammer. Then I noticed that there were sparks coming from the area when it was engaging. So, I got a new starter, installed it, and I still have the same problem of it freezing, seizing, or whatever requiring the aforementioned knocking to remedy it. Any ideas as to what the real issue might be?

Thanks, again.

chad

sparks?
 

Sparks?
#1. Electrical sparks???
#2. Metal grinding sparks???

More data needed.

I'm fairly sure it was electrical sparks, which could have explained the electrical short that was draining my battery. Any ideas?

cheers

When you replaced the Starter, did you also replace the Solenoid?

Hmmm
 

1981 300 SD Turbo 390,000 miles.

I hope you did replace the solenoid + starter.

The cable from battery to starter may be damaged, but I would check the ground cable from body to transmission bell housing for corrosion damage = very bad connection.

The simplest test for a bad engine ground is to connect battery jumper cables to the negative battery post, and engine block, then try starting, if there is a massive improvement = BAD engine ground = repair or replace engine ground cable, and clean battery to body ground connection point.

Have a great day.