Turn key and clunk

[Gallagher0369]

First off I am learning so be kind.
83 CJ7 on jumper cables, cap of fuel poured in carb.
Tries to turn over a few times then just a big "clunk"?
It sat for a while before I got it and then after occasional use sat fr a year.
Starter is only a few years old, it has had fuel pump issues but with the fuel in the carb I don't see that as an issue. I am going to replace the battery and go from there but wanted to get some advice on where to go in my trouble shooting.

 

[jswatson0917]

First off I am learning so be kind.

Not required here no one gets flamed here due to thier lack of knowlege that is why we are here to seek help in areas we are weak

83 CJ7 on jumper cables, cap of fuel poured in carb.
Tries to turn over a few times then just a big "clunk"?
It sat for a while before I got it and then after occasional use sat fr a year.
Starter is only a few years old, it has had fuel pump issues but with the fuel in the carb I don't see that as an issue. I am going to replace the battery and go from there but wanted to get some advice on where to go in my trouble shooting.

Does the starter still spin after the "clunk"?

 

[Gallagher0369]

I am not sure will check on Saturday when I try again.

 

[cerrajero]

actually I would take the starter off, leave the wires connected then turn the key.....to see if it is doing its job away from the fly wheel
then inspect the teeth of the flywheel to see if worn or damaged

 

[billygoat]

Does the starter still spin after the "clunk"?

Suggest: 1. Clean and reconnect both battery cables at both ends. A high resistance connection might be the problem.
2. If still nothing, jump the main terminals on the fender mounted starter relay, if the starter cranks the problem is the relay.
3. If Still nothing Bench test the starter (or pull it and have your parts shop test it)
4. If starter OK , have the battery load tested (again local parts shop can do it)

Good Luck !

 

[Gallagher0369]

I know the battery is no good so I am going to replace that first.
I just replaced the relay, prior to that it did nothing when I turned the key so pretty sure it is fine. I have watched a few videos on checking the starter, doing the load tests, and pulling it and will give it a shot. Looks like I will be busy Saturday.

 

[cerrajero]

Just for s*#@ and giggles check the voltage on the solenoid and starter
as well as the tightness of the connectors on those 2

Harbor freight has meters for less than $10 if you dont have 1

 

[Gallagher0369]

VICTORY! Thanks to all for the advice. I am sure I will be back with more questions.

 

[CJ]

VICTORY! Thanks to all for the advice. I am sure I will be back with more questions.

Good for you. How about a hint on what the problem was?

 

[Gallagher0369]

Thanks to all for the help replaced the starter solenoid and it starts now. New issue is that it dies as soon as I let it idle. It starts everytime and will run as long as I give it some gas.

 

[jasonmark1993]

Keep it running until it is up to operating temp and then work on the idle issue.

May just be a simple adjustment and it may even clear up with some short run time.

Once it idles warm, then you can work on cold start/choke problems