94 Ply Acclaim, V6

I have a problem with starting my car. It started gradually, and now it
seems that I have to "turn over" the car 20 or more times every eight or so
tries. Today it started right up on a number of tries, 8 or so in a row.
Then a had a problem (many, many turns before starting) early tonight, and
then afterwards and later tonight it started the first try.There is a click
sound when it doesn't turn over. I have had the battery, alternator and
starter checked 2 weeks ago, and they seem to be ok. The starter wasn't
taken off to check for other things. The problem seemed to start 2 weeks
after I got my gas tank straps replaced. Maybe a coincidence. What "loose
"wires should be checked? If it turns out to be a solenoid in the starter,
do I have to replace with a Nippodenzoor or a Bosch starter?Any suggestions?
..

Thanks for any help! Peter.

 

Hi Peter,
You can test to see if it is the connections or a starter problem.
Connect a voltmeter to the large terminal on the starter. There is a
threaded terminal post there where the battery cable connects to the
solenoid. Connect the positive lead from your meter to this terminal (not
the battery cable) on the solenoid. Connect the negative lead of your
meter to chassis ground such as the engine block or starter housing. You
should measure 12-14 volts. Watch your meter and have someone else turn
the key to start. When you just here the click and no starting see whether
the voltage remains up around 12 volts or drops low or to nothing. If the
voltage stays up, you have a starter problem such as worn out solenoid
contacts or brushes. If the voltage drops way low when the key is turned
to start, you have a connection problem such as corroded /dirty battery
terminals, corroded or loose connection between the positive battery cable
and the starter solenoid, corroded or loose connection between the negative
battery cable and the engine block. All of this assumes you have a good
battery, of course. Hope it helps,
Mike