Car won't start

I didn't see you list checking the ground connection. They can come loose or break. Since I've been spanked by faulty grounds in the past, I ran a large wire from the ground terminal by the battery directly to the block.

 

If you have an original starter it could be the contacts in the starter solenoid. I put a NOS solenoid on my starter and it turned over like a dream. Usually the big copper contact points get pitted and burned a bit so the large amount of current needed can't get to the starter. You can disassemble and repair the solenoid. Here is a dandy write up by Pshoejberg: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/repairing-246-starter-motor.444350/#post-143060785

 

Manny, the starter can be removed after the back fiber glass panel is unscrewed and removed. From memory it’s a challenge to get out with the exhaust manifold in place.
The symptoms you describe sound similar to those I had. I replaced the solenoid Which appears to have solved the issue.

See post 18 in
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/removal-and-instalation-of-engine.226569/

More discussion on starter issues here
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/starter-advice.150281/page-2#post-139019510

Kevin

 

Agree with Kevin above, except that in my car - with gear reduction starter - it is not difficult to access the starter. I recently replaced my starter, and once the panel in the trunk was removed, it was fairly easy to remove and reinstall the starter. The gear reduction starters are smaller and easier than the stock version to remove.

But before attacking the starter, make sure to check the ignition switch. The contact in that switch is taking a terrible beating every time you turn the key (arcing, high current, etc.). When you have a bad contact there, you normally do not hear a click as you describe, but it is still worth testing it by bypassing the switch with jumper wires or an external pushbutton switch.

Lars

 

Yes and possibly Yes.

Yes you can remove the rear panel and Yes the heat shield will still be in your way. Tough to lift ancient Marellli Starter but if you already have a Gear Reduction then possibly just remove the mounting bolts from the access in the left wheel well and that smaller unit might remove to the left and then out. Watch your back no matter how you do it.

Also, it depends on if you have a EU or USA version. The USA is definitely harder with emissions manifold blocks as they can block access to mounting nuts and space. I removed the manifold in this DIY, it was only 9 nuts (3 at exhaust connection, 6 for cyls 1-3) that needed to be removed
Here is how I did it with photos
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/dino-diy-replacing-the-starter-with-a-gear-reduction-unit.265858/

BTW, the OEM access panel appears to have been originally rivetted in place so that rear access panel in under the carpet should have rivets, but I've seen prior owners replace it using sheet metal screws making return visits easier. Use a strong ahesive like 3M 90 to re-attach the carpet after snapping on

 

If I re-read your question correctly, you just want to put an Voltmeter on the thick 00 gauge power line going into the starter and measure how many volts are appearing at the starter, correct? That would confirm all upstream are providing voltage and rule them out, leaving the starter as suspect.
Good plan.
You can remove the Left rear wheel/wheel well and access pick off points at starter main power in and at solenoid, then do a measurement.
Like the alternator, the starter is clustered low and in a heated environment which is bad for electrics.

 

You're stuck.
Those manifold blocks are in the way and if yours is like 05702 then you will have to take two manifold studs out of exhaust cylinder #2 to allow the starter to move back from the mounting hole. Photo attached showing that manifold block for cyl #2 exhaust is not able to slide out and was the cause of not permitting the starter to slide away from the flywheel hole.

TIP: to remove any mounting stud, simply screw two nuts onto that stud, tighten them against each other firmly then that will bind and jam them onto the stud. Rotate the lower nut with wrench CCW and the stud will remove by unscrewing outward. Take care to remove it straight out and not damage the casting.

The again, if you just wanted to access the solenoid, that simplifies things considerably
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Corbani had a write up about your situation that is worth a look: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/dino-saga-050911-_-ignition-switch-alternator-regulator-starter-flasher.74532/

 

Have we confirmed the battery is actually good? A battery can read full or seem full on a static test but can also be inconsistent when but under load. Before the car gets torn apart start with the battery.

 

I would try push starting the car to see if it starts then let it warm up.

 

I had similar trouble with my Dino a few years ago now,John Corbani advised me to put in the biggest cranking amp battery that would fit which I did no more starting problems after that,check your battery before you start getting to involved with other things good luck. Cheers

 

I would try the Italian starting method by push starting it. It might “unstick” the starter.