Help, engine won't turnover

[Patrick]

Hi All,

Was playing with the cold start relay and heard a click from the fuse box area [:0]. Went to go for a ride and when turning the key, nothing but click again. Upon checking the fuses, discovered number 6 is an automatic start aid. The fuse looks okay, however, could it be the culprit :?:  Or am I way off base here :?:

Patrick
'68 250SL

[glennard]

I think the click might be the solenoid on the back of the FI pump(throws the rack to rich) off the 6 fuse.  Starter turn over?

[ja17]

Hello Patrick,


Sounds  like a fuse lost contact. Probably the fuel pump fuse. Check each one with a 12 volt test light at the top and bottom to see if current is on both sides.  Try twisting each fuse first. They corrode on the ends and lose contact.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[ja17]

Okay glennard good thought, we posted a minute apart, that solenoid or relay may stick which cuts off fuel at the injection pump. If the injection pump has two relays the lower one is the culprit. Disconnect it and see if it starts!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Patrick]

Hi All,

I checked the fuses and have continuity in all. I disconnected the solenoid at the fuel injection pump and no difference. The clicking is coming from the 4 relays in the engine bay at the drivers side. So, again, I turn the key and all I'm getting is click. Any further help would be appreciated.
Joe Alexander, please disregard the email, I sorted that out.

Patrick
'68 250SL

[J. Huber]

How about wire connections to starter?

James
63 230SL

[Cees Klumper]

Try hitting the starter with a heavy object (seriously) - maybe the starter solenoid is stuck. Worked for me in the past, and has been suggested by various shade-tree mechanics here before.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[ja17]

Hello Patrick,

Could you please clearify,  do you mean that the starter does not engage? Could be another nuetral safety switch issue? Is your car an automatic?

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Patrick]

Hi All,

James & Cees, I have not got to the starter yet.
Joe, when I turn the key, all that happens is "click", with the sound coming from the 4 relays on the drivers side engine bay area. The car is a manual transmission.
I have attached a picture of the wire I was playing with when it happened.

Download Attachment: HPIM0451_20%.JPG
11.05 KB

[ja17]

Hello Patrick,

None of those relays will alter starter function. Make sure your battery cables are clean and making good contact. turn the headlights on and have someone watch the headlights as you crank the starter. If the lights go out when you activate the key you have a dead battery or bac connection.

Next, try Cees'  idea to bump the starter. Sounds like a starter problem.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[glennard]

Pat, When you turn the ignition s/w to 'Run', the 2,3,4,5 and 6 fuses are powered.  When you turn the ign s/w further to the 'Start' position, 3 additional things happen- 1-the starter solenoid(on the starter) is energized, thereby energizing the starter, 2-the 'start' solenoid on the rear of the FI pump is energized(if the thermo s/w is closed) throwing the rack(in the FI pump) to enriched position, and 3- energizes the CSV solenoid in the intake manifold thereby spraying fuel into the intakes.   When you release 'Start' on the ign s/w, you revert to 'Run' conditions.
    Sounds like you are not getting no. 1- the starter to turn.  Check the battery, its connections, the ground strap to the body connection off minus, the start wire/connection on the starter solenoid at the starter, etc.  
     Happy hunting!

[Patrick]

Hi All,

James, Joe, Cees and Glennard, thanks for the replies, I fall into the electrical challenged group. Upon further investigation ("happy hunting") I have found a few wires that are not connected to anything, another that has seperated (don't know what was keeping it together)and a lot that need some maintenance. Again, thanks for the support, it's greatly appreciated.

Patrick
'68 250SL

[glennard]

Pat, Neglected to include the unfused power to the coil, distributor, et al in the 'run' and 'start' positions.  Makes the car run alot better!