Bluesky4x4

I spent a half hour today returning a starter that was probably fine. I put the second starter in and it did the same thing. I crank, it spins, but doesn't pop out. I bench tested it and it worked fine when I jumped the main post and the ignition post at the same time. So the starter is definately good. The battery seems to be good. My guess is there is a problem with the small gauge wire from the ignition switch. Do you think it is my switch that is bad? Obviously it does work to an extent, as the starter solenoid does engage and make the starter spin, just no bendix.

If it is the ignition switch, should I just wire up a push button? The ignition switch removal instructions look like a pain and I can wire up a 50amp relay with push button start in very short order. Thanks.

87 944 NA has the issue.

AR10

Sounds like the wrong starter. It is spinning the wrong direction.

Crunky

Check your grounds. It may have just enough of a connection to spin, but the solenoid isn't able to kick the bendix out.
This was a pretty common problem on older Fords that had the starter solenoid mounted on the fenderwell.

AR10

The older Fords depended on high rotational speed to engage the drive gear. Our cars use
the solenoid to pull the drive out for engagement, which also closes the contact to start the
starter spinning. Therefore either the drive is defective or the armature is turning the wrong
direction. Or there are no teeth on the flywheel.

KuHL 951

Clarkes Garage has a write-up on how the test the ign. switch if it's the problem.

AR10

Did this ever get fixed????

Bluesky4x4

I determined it wasn't the starter. I put a long wire straight to the ignition post (small) on the solenoid and it cranks fine when I tap the starter. If it really is the ignition switch, I'm going to convert it to keyed ignition power with push button start, I have my Jeep set up that way now.

czar

I'm a big fan of that route myself. If you do it right, it can look really sweet, makes life a little easier, and it's a simple thing that impresses almost anyone that gets in the car. If anyone's interested, here's a write-up I collaborated on in a BMW forum for a DIY Push Button I realize it will be different, but hey, at least it's German!

Best of luck Bluesky. If you do end up doing a PB, please post a few pics. Would love to see it!