96 challenger engine turns then dead ... Help.

[Walid Elbegarmy]

Hello all,

Took my 96 challenger out from winter storage and tried to started it for the first time this year.
Engine turns then dead, no start and I am getting click sound from the electric box in the engine bay, took the cover off and tried again and still hear the click but nothing happened.
Did some research and all leads to starter solenoid.
Got a new starter relay installed and still the same thing. Then I figured I would try the starter alone directly buy shorting the relay wire and nothing happened.

Tried to go directly on the starter box with my booster cable and nothing happened.

Would it be the starter is done or it could be just stuck?

Should I replace the original starter or should I send it for repair?

Any advise would be highly appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[Nukem1040]

I just did mine 2 days ago when I bought the boat. I got that same clicking sound at the box for just the right engine. We would remove the key, then keep clicking the start button and hold it down, and she would intermittently crank and then start. I'm sure I have to replace something soon but that's what I did.

 

[Walid Elbegarmy]

Thanks I'll give it a try tomorrow morning but I think my starter is done.

 

[Dr Honda]

Pull the sparkplugs out of the engine(s) and give it a try. But... put a towel over the engine first. If there's fuel and oil down there... it's going to spray out everywhere.

But... in your description... I don't see anything about the battery?? Is it new? Is it a good brand? Did you charge it? Did you check it at all?

 

[Walid Elbegarmy]

Yes battery is perfect and I even tried with booster pack and still the same thing. But I'll try with the Sparks out and see how it will go. Thanks Dr Honda

 

[Walid Elbegarmy]

Well tried everything today and nothing works.
Off the boat the starter goes, opened and the positive brush is snapped.
So and new brush kit will be ordered Monday from the dealer to pick up fast to start enjoy the summer.

 

[Fathead1909]

Sorry for jumping in but I've got the same issue as Walid to an extent. Left engine won't turn, starter just clicks and soundsao like it's trying to turn. Pulled the plugs, prior to coming here, and turned right over, almost as if it had to much compression with plugs in. Right engine started great, plenty of battery. My question is you were suggesting to pull plugs and see how that went, can you enlighten me on what your thoughts are with these symptoms?

 

[Dr Honda]

Something else for both of you to try... pull the pump off that back of the boat. You could have a rusted/sized bearing.

 

[Fathead1909]

I actually had it off when I replaced the driveshaft and PTO. Everything was fine, just not understanding why it'll turn over freely with the plugs out but not while they're in. Is it possible the starter is simply worn out?

 

[Walid Elbegarmy]

Removed the spark plugs and tried but no luck, so decide to remove the starter and tried to bench tested but no luck.
Took it a apart and the brushes is gone.
Ordered new brushes of eBay for 25$ and still waiting for it to arrive. Hopefully that would be it.