76 ignition/starter intermittent issue

[76BroncoPete]

I have been having an intermittent issue when going to start my 76. I turn the key a couple of time and get nothing. Then, usually the third turn, it hits like normal and fires right up. I thought it may be the ignition switch or the starter, but I haven't had time to dive in and start checking the ignition circuit. Every once in a while, typically after I having been driving it, I'll turn the key and the starter, I'm guessing, sounds kind of choppy then fires up. Does this sound familiar? Any usual suspects? Advice of what to test with my meter and readings to look for? Ignition circuit sequence? I would appreciate any help or tips that could be provided. Everything is stock as far as the ignition is concerned.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Check for 12v on the "S" terminal of the starter solenoid when the key is in the start position. 12v but no cranking equals bad solenoid or cables or bad ground at the solenoid. No 12v equals bad ignition switch or neutral Safety switch (could also need adjustment).

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[76BroncoPete]

Thanks for the help. I will start checking things out tomorrow afternoon. I really appreciate the quick response.

 

[THEBONE]

I had a similar issue on my '77. Turned out to be there was a flat metal tab connected to the starter and the cable was also connected to the other end of this piece of metal. Not sure if this was a stock set up. Anyway that piece of metal was cracked and rusted causing intermittent no crank, no nothing. It's worth a look

 

[76BroncoPete]

Well of I am getting a little over 11v on the S terminal. I wasn't able to replicate the problem before I started checking my voltage, of course. Cleaned up the connections with a wire brush and made sure everything was good and tight. It cranked every time I turned the key. Hopefully this isn't too stupid of a question, but where exactly is the ground at the solenoid? It there an actual ground wire I am not seeing or is it grounded by the actual metal bracket that attaches the solenoid to the wheel well?

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, no ground wires on the solenoid, the bracket is all. Just a heads up, I have seen starters show signs of a slow death, as in "starts on the third try, and has a choppy sound". This could go on for a while, and the stick shift guys can always push start it. As the starter wears, it will draw more amps to start the engine. One of the starter tests is amp draw. Good luck

 

[76BroncoPete]

Thanks for the heads up and the answer to my ground question. How many amps should I be looking for the starter to draw?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Starters draw lots of amps, could be a couple hundred.

11v at the S is pretty good. The current draw of the starter drops the battery voltage down.