starter clicking, rarely turning

[CaliMorris]

When I turn the key the fuel pump makes loud sounds, (probably normal as the gas tank isn't hooked up) and the starter makes a loud click, but nothing else. It's a new starter so I am ruling out the possibility that it needs to be replaced. (wishful thinking possibly). I have also put the battery charger on it, set to "engine start" just to give it a boost of power. but the starter will very rarely actually turn.
I had this problem with my 2001 Malibu, and it turned out that the starter was hitting the flywheel, so I solved it by putting some thin shims between the starter and engine.
However, with the Morris, the starter isn't bolted to the engine block, as the mounting bolts run parallel to the gearbox. How would I shim it, if this is the problem? or is it a different problem?

[Tom and Maria]

If someone tries to start the car and you tap the back of the starter with a hammer does it make any difference?

Always used to work on my old VW van. Would maybe signify a strip and oiling.

Tom

[bmcecosse]

Could be bad contacts in the 'solenoid' - the bit that makes the clicking noise..... Check by shorting across the two terminals with a large screwdriver - but MAKE SURE the driver doesn't touch any other parts of the car! If the starter works every time when you do this - you know it's ok. If it's just the same - then the starter needs taking off - cleaning - probably new brushes fitting, although perhaps the brushes are just sticking..... Strip and clean!! You do have a good earth strap attached between gearbox and chassis ?? R

[CaliMorris]

yeah, a nice clean ground. do you think that the cylinders could be frozen? should I put a bit of oil down the spark plug holes?

[CaliMorris]

I'll go try tapping on it and starting it at the same time too

[bmcecosse]

Oh - well I was assuming the engine turns!!! If you don't know the condition then YES - put oil down the bores - leave the plugs out - and try to turn the engine BY HAND. If it doesn't turn - don't force it, and come back for more advice.

[Pilkie]

Put the car in 4th gear,handbrake off and rock it very gently back and forth.
If the engine is free it will turn,if its froze it wont.
You could try using the starting handle,but,you can only turn the engine over,if it will turn,one way like that.
The engine on the traveller I bought a month ago was froze after 25yrs standing.
I heated up some old oil to a rolling boil,and poured it into the bores and left it overnight.
Next day 2 of the bores were empty,sucked out the old oil from the other 2 bores and put in some more hot oil.
Next day the oil was gone,and when I rocked the car in gear it was free,and after I had cleaned the bores out,did a compression test and it was near perfect,fresh fuel,checked ign,and managed to get it to fire up.
Sadly although it sounded not bad it was very smokey,and on stripdown it turned out that the oil rings on the pistons were all gummed up from sitting for years,"Top 3 were all fine",and the valve oil seals were perished.
Depending on what you find on further strip down,means you maybe can do a mini rebuild,get it fully rebuilt,or if totally dead find a good running engine and chuck it away.

[bmcecosse]

Rocking a seized engine in gear = sure fire way to break the rings. Don't do it!!

[mike.perry]

Remove the starter motor and connect a pair of jump leads to the terminal and body. Put your foot on the starter and it should spin freely

[CaliMorris]

I tried tapping on the starter while turning the key, didn't work. I then put the crank handle into the engine, and I can't get it to turn. . So I put a good amount of oil into the cylinders via the spark plug holes, waited an hour or two and tried again. no dice.

Anybody have any magic remedies for a seized engine?

I'm heating up some oil right now, like suggested. But I'll try everything.

weird thing is that the starter actually turned the engine for a few seconds when I first tried it. Does this mean it just seized?

[bmcecosse]

Hot oil is a waste of time - as soon as you pour it in there - it's cold when it hits the metal!! You can try pouring in diesel fuel - leave for 24 hours - more fuel and very gently try BY HAND to turn the engine back and forwards very carefully. But if it HAS been turned -bone dry - by the starter - then really, rings will be broken and it's going to need stripping down for thorough inspection and rectification.

[CaliMorris]

bummer. I guess I'll be taking the engine apart today.

[IslipMinor]

Is it actually seized? Before you strip the engine, take the starter out and see if it will turn easily on the handle. It could be that the starter has jammed part way into engaging with the flywheel starter ring teeth.

[MarkyB]

Seconded!
There is no reason to start thinking the engine has suddenly seized, much more likely starter related.

[bmcecosse]

I don't think it has 'suddenly' seized - it's been standing for 5 years......

[IslipMinor]

it's been standing for 5 years

Is there another post with that in? I can't see anything about time in this one.

[CaliMorris]

A friend's teenager started this as a project, disassembled it, and then left for college. If I had to guess I would say that the engine has been sitting for 7+ years.

[MarkyB]

I equated "Rarely turning" with turning once in a while, not measured in years

[CaliMorris]

well after I hooked up the engine and all the components, I turned the key, it clicked for the next 3-4 tries, turned once, and now It just clicks. If it turns, it's rare.

[bmcecosse]

That's not the point - you seem to be ignoring all the advice. Have you added oil or diesel fuel? Can you turn the engine backwards/forwards by hand on the crankshaft pulley? I'm guessing it's all too late now, and the rings will now be broken.The more you try to force it round with the starter - the more damage you are causing - piston lands will be broken and bores scored..... Unless it turns easily by hand - strip it down for inspection.