Bumping the Starter

[Breadvan]

So I'm trying to figure if my engine will turn over. Not being an orangutan I can't reach down to the starter very easily, so I took an old plastic broom handle, with a metal core, stripped two inches of plastic of the end and flattened it.

Due to storm damage, I can't open my shed doors, so I'm working by flashlight mainly, and I can't see what the heck I'm doing, so what should I be doing here? I think I only see one big nut at the top and two smaller side nuts, shouldn't there be two big nuts?

No jokes about the big nut on the other end of the broom handle please

[timthescarrd]

On the solenoid (the smaller round section on top), there will be a big nut on top for +12V from battery, some sort of connection into the main starter body (bigger round section on bottom) and one or two smaller side posts, one is for ignition and will have a wire to it, the other is not typically used.  The ignition post need to be jumpered to the +12V to start the engine. and is usually the post closer to the engine

In this pic, you would be bridging between "Bat." and "Key St."

[Breadvan]

Ah, so not between the battery connection and the copper buss.

[bake74]

Ah, so not between the battery connection and the copper buss.

     No, I have found in the past it is easier to access this from under the vehicle to bump the starter.  Or you could rig up a push button with alligator clips, get them on the nuts and be able to do it from the top side without having to shove a piece of metal down and hope you don't ground your battery out.

[Breadvan]

Oh yeah, I'd be leary of lying under it whilst bumping the starter. Maybe I should get some better sized croc clips, I've got jump start size, and electronics size and nothing in between.

[timthescarrd]

Most parts store carry remote starter switches with two clips for the starter and a push button to operate it, it's a much safer way to do that. 

Harbor Freight, AutoZone, Napa, even Amazon have them for $10-$15

http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-648537-Remote-Starter-Switch/dp/B004KEJY1S/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1409681598&sr=1-1&keywords=Powerbuilt+648537+Remote+Starter+Switch

[Breadvan]

Thanks guys

I tried, and failed to get my broom handle to do the job again but after reading more of this site figured I might have a stuck safety switch or something. I tried again, using the key, but rapidly moved the gear lever through it's settings a few times, nothing, and then again, and hey presto, the ignition switch seems to work again. Shame the engine is stuck, but hey one step at a time

[bake74]

     Sorry to hear about the engine, but now you fix 1 problem so you can use the ignition switch right.    Moving in the right direction.