"the money pit" wont turn over

[See Jay Five]

Normally when my vehicles would not turn over to start, it was a loose battery cable, but my new to me CJ5 won't turn over, and the battery cables are secure. At first, when I tried to start the volt meter came up to normal, until I tried to start, then the volt meter goes straight to zero. So loosened battery cables and tightened them with the same effect. Then finally the volts stayed up, but a knocking noise out of I believe is the voltage regulator. Please any info would be greatly appreciated. Do I need to replace the coil as well? Thanks in advance. Oh yea, the engine is a AMC 304 .

 

[mylittlecj5]

sounds like the solenoid is clicking. take the cables off and really clean the terminals up, then install and tighten them down. If it doesn't turn over, then you need to dig deeper as to why.

 

[BusaDave9]

If cleaning up the terminals doesn't work my guess would be the battery. Take it to a parts store and have it tested.
Your problem is either the battery or the starter. The coil is part of the ignition system not the starting system so that's not it.

 

[Old Dog]

If the battery is good and has a good charge take all the wires off the solenoid and starter and chean up the conections. If it still only clicks it's new starter time.

 

[Purple77CJ7]

If the battery is good and has a good charge take all the wires off the solenoid and starter and chean up the conections. If it still only clicks it's new starter time.

I agree, sounds like it could be the starter.

 

[See Jay Five]

Thanks guys! I installed new battery cables, cleaned up battery terminals, and a new solenoid. And the weekend warrior fired right up!