Hot wiring starter problems

[52b3b Joe]

I'm trying to get our 48 desoto running for the first time is 40 years or so. I am hot wiring the car to by pass all the cars old wiring. I am all ready to give it a try but when I hit the starter the solenoid clicks very fast and the engine cranks very slow. It seems like the solenoid is kicking in and out very fast causing the slow cranking. The starter by itself works fine and the solenoid by itself clicks loudly when you hit it. Any ideas on what I'm missing? I have already check the grounds and even added a ground from the starter and solenoid. What am I missing? Anyone ever hear of or have this problem? I'm sure it is something simple I am missing.

[_shel_ny]

Does it crank good when you bypass the solenoid?

[Don Coatney]

Is the battery fully charged?

[52b3b Joe]

The battery has 6.5v, this might be stupid or I'm not thinking, but how can you by pass the solenoid?

[Niel Hoback]

Jump the big terminals on the solenoid with a heavy wire. I use the handles of a pair of pliers.  Wear a glove, it could get hot.

[Don Coatney]

Getting hot is my next question. Does anything feel hot when the solenoid is jumping? 

[Don Coatney]

Another suggestion, Swap the solenoid with one that is known to work.

[suntennis]

The clicking sound is a normal sound due to a weak battery. It is possible the solenoid is failing. To bypass the solenoid you could remove the cable from the battery side of the solenoid and make contact with the cable from the starter. There will be arching when this happens , so it would be better to also disconnect the starter cable from the solenoid to avoid damage to the solenoid terminal. If you use this method, and there are other ways to bypass the solenoid, you will need to provide power to the coil.

[Plymouthy Adams]

IF you have not cleaned all the terminal and connections and visually checked the cables for proper size and fitness..then do this first..then if still persists...perform a few true tests by checking the current draw and if high do a voltage drop test and if that passes check the starter for excessive current drain usually a rear bush..

[Don Coatney]

I do not recommend short circuiting the high current cables to by-pass the solenoid. This will result in arching and the cables could possibly weld themselves together. The starter motor is the highest current draw in the system. The solenoid is designed to handle the making and breaking of this high current. The cables are not.

[greg g]

Try cranking it with the plugs out. This will also circulate some oil around. Are your primary cables good and thick (think little finger) or whimpy 12v stuff? Are you hooked up positive ground?

[Dodgeb4ya]

Make sure the battery is good and fully charged, cables in top condition and connections and ground all good.

The starter relay contacts could have corrosion on them causing your problem also.

 

These  4 terminal starters can be some what troublesome.

Edited August 31, 2014 by Dodgeb4ya

[52b3b Joe]

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up taking it off the car and I put in our spare for the 41 Desoto that has a mechanical switch. I bench testes the one I took out and it acts the same out if the car. I think the solenoid is bad. I tried a few times to start it and it wants to go but it hasn't yet. I had to stop for the day so hopefully I'll get it tomorrow.