Is my starter bad? When trying to start I hear a single click. Voltmeter shows a drop from about 12V to 8-9V while turning. Starter motor gets really hot, load wires between battery and starter get so hot insulation starts to burn. It's a brand new battery. I took starter to AutoZone and had it bench tested. It passed all the tests. They ran the tests three times. Starter motor was cold after the bench tests. Teeth on starter appear new and crisp, no evidence of grinding. What would cause starter to draw excessive current under load but not on the bench? If I have an issue with the firing system (spark plugs, alternator, electronics, etc.) should I still hear the flywheel and engine turning? If the flywheel is somehow stuck would this cause the behavior I'm seeing?
Cars & Trucks
Answers & Comments
Definitely frozen flywheel would draw excessive current. take out spark plugs and try again. remove belts? maybe frozen water pump, power steering pump, alternator, etc, etc? what are you starting?
Why do I want to take the spark plugs out? You mean take them all out, and then what?
Check to see if you can turn the engine over by hand it maybe siezed and not turn over.this can cause this type of starter problem and voltage drop.check all grounds from the battery to engine block and body under the hood,if you have a bad ground it can cause a similar type problem.