won't start - machine gun noise?

katuah

NAXJA Forum User

Location

NotTheMountains :-( ,NC

• Mar 14, 2011

• #1

OK, this is probably one of those "shoulda known" questions, but here goes. My rig is not a DD, and sometimes sits a couple weeks between drives. Never had a problem starting it until today. I get in, turn the key, and this LOUD noise happens, sounds like a cross between a machine gun and a very fast teletype, almost a buzz but WAY more rattling. No actual cranking. Lights, gauges, etc are all on. Could this just be a dead battery? It's had a dead battery before, never sounded like this... afraid something worse is wrong.

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Mar 14, 2011

• #2

fast-clicking means insufficient amps to turn the starter motor. Usually it's a dead battery but it could also be corroded connectors.

 

B

Boveevil

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Gulf Breeze, FL

• Mar 14, 2011

• #3

ehall said:

fast-clicking means insufficient amps to turn the starter motor. Usually it's a dead battery but it could also be corroded connectors.

Click to expand...

+1

 

katuah

NAXJA Forum User

Location

NotTheMountains :-( ,NC

• Mar 14, 2011

• #4

I'll put it on the trickle charger tonight. Dang I would not have called that noise a "click."

 

V

VestaviaPirate

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Charlotte, NC | Auburn, AL

• Mar 14, 2011

• #5

katuah said:

I'll put it on the trickle charger tonight. Dang I would not have called that noise a "click."

Click to expand...

I'd start with cleaning the connectors and checking for a good tight, snug fit; you'd be surprised how much that matters. Just because it feels tight, or looks like it's on there good, doesn't mean much.

 

katuah

NAXJA Forum User

Location

NotTheMountains :-( ,NC

• Mar 14, 2011

• #6

The connections are good, I just put a full set of Kelley/5-90's new wires & terminals on maybe 6 months ago and cleaned everything spotless. No, I'm thinking I must have something pulling more juice than I thought. I just put in a CB about 2 months ago, maybe it pulls a weak trickle or something. I may need to rig a disconnect.

 

B

Boveevil

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Gulf Breeze, FL

• Mar 14, 2011

• #7

I know they sell those smart battery maintainers at wally world for $25-30. IMO it'd be a better long term choice than a disconnect.

 

gradon

NAXJA Forum User

Location

DC

• Mar 15, 2011

• #8

Grab a hammer and take a whack at the starter, then try to start it. If connections are good, including main ground at the coil location(ohm it out), then you need another starter.

 

ehall

NAXJA Member

NAXJA Member

Location

Southern Maryland

• Mar 15, 2011

• #9

just try jump-starting it first