308 Starter Problem?

Just getting a "click" generally means that your starter is not getting enough current to turn, or that your starter relay isn't getting enough voltage to switch on power to the starter.

You cleaned the starter terminals, which is a good first step. Now coat them with spray-on "Corrosion Block" from West Marine or Stabilant 22a from RicambiAmerica. Repeat the cleaning and coating for your battery cable terminals next.

If possible, do the same for your ignition switch and its connections.

Make certain that you battery is fully charged.

If the above doesn't help then the typical "next step" is to replace your starter relay.

If the problem persists then people usually replace the wiring from the ignition switch to the starter relay, and if that doesn't work they will usually rebuild or replace the start motor itself.



If you do the above in that order, you'll stand a good chance of getting your car fixed on the cheap.

 

I had loose battery terminals that prevented my car from starting earlier this year. The car still turned over fine though. On past cars the "click" turned out to be a solenoid.

 

Agree with the prior posts. Most likely either a weak battery or a problem with corrosion or poor contact in the wiring. Usually, it is a bad ground. Start at the battery. Clean the battery posts, especially the negative. Also, clean the negative connection to the frame. If you have a cut-off switch in the negative to frame, remove it. If the negative wire looks corroded, replace it. Then check the connections at the starter. I had the same problem on my old Mondial, and it was a bad ground as well as a defective/corroded cut-off switch.

Follow the other suggestions in tracing things down as well. And if all else fails and it looks like the starter is going, consider getting a high torque starter. I got one from Gustofson in Glouster, Mass. It is a direct bolt up replacement, and only weights about 9 lbs compared to 22 lbs for the old Bosch starter.

 

Are you getting 12 volts at the starter solenoid? Next are you still getting 12 volts at the solenoid when you turn the key to start? I starter relay operates the starter solenoid so you also need to see if the solinoid is getting 12 volts when you turn the key. If you see a large voltage drop on the +12V line on the starter then you have a problem between the battery and the starter. This could either be on the + or the ground wire. The solenoid performs 2 functions. It pushes the pinion gear into the flywheel ring gear and it makes contact of the 12 volts to the starter motor. Usually a clicking noise indicates either low voltage which won't allow the solenoid to engage the pinion and complete the circuit. Or the solenoid is starting to go.

 

You should be able to get a new solenoid and it is a Bosch part so it is not Fcar money. You can also get the starter rebuilt if you want. Should not be a whole lot of $'s. I have also seen the hi-torque starters on ebay and I think the price was in the $400 range. It looks like a great replacement but I gota believe you could get a new bosch for a lot less.

 

Joe,

Way to go! That's the one that I installed. He had not done one for a 308 before, so I sent him my old starter and he matched the mounting plate for it. It works really great, one of the best modifications I've made to the car. I have one of Gustafson's starters waiting to go into my Jaguar XKE when I get a chance. Love his products.

Steve

 

I think you turned us on to 'em Steve .. . thanks . . . I think when you first posted 'bout 'em I was ready to buy something to modify.

cheers

 

Theres also a company that sells these in the Uk which work out quite a bit cheaper.

http://www.powerlite-units.com/starter.htm

 

I have an extra one with the lifetime warranty from Gustafson (he just told me make sure if I sell it to someone tell them to keep the original box for warranty) . .. might part with it if anyone wants one . . . I'll let it go for a discount . . pm me if you want it . . . I've had one in my car for over a year now.

cheers

 

I had mine rebuilt, along with the alt. at an old fashoned starter & alternator shop in foley AL, cost for both $360.

Larry

 

I've used Gustafson's starters on 4 other Jaguars that I've owned, and they fit and work absolutely great. Always an easy, bolt-up change, and they crank the engine over really strong. If your old Lucas starter on the TR6 is balky, definitely do the upgrade.

 

The Bosch factory rebuilt starter number for the 328 Ferrari is SR488X. AutohausAZ.com has them listed for $292, but are on backorder. AllWorldAutomotive.com has them in stock for $272. I have used Autohaus many times, haven't used AllWorldAuto yet. According to one source, the SR488X also fits some Mercedes and Jaguars, but I haven't been able to figure out which ones. -Steve