howdy folks

the old FJ60 landcrusier has an issue

sometimes it will start fine, but most of the time i turn the key to start it and all i get is a fast clicking noise, and it's a damn hard car to push start i found out

what would that be, i havent figured it out, im pretty sure the battery has good charge and i tried hitting the starter motor with a jack handle but that didnt help much

Starter Motor solenoids don't last forever.

If you get a single loud click, followed by no start action, then the solenoid is working, but the contacts inside don't connect. A bash with a bar will help here sometimes. I have seen solenoid contacts that are completely worn out on Datsun Starters. So maybe it's at the end of it's life.

Clicking noises are the solenoid jumping in and out, as the 12V source goes up and down. If you had a multimeter on the battery during this period (preferably analog) you'd see the voltage reading go from 7v to 12v.

There's either a short in the Solenoid, or the battery is stuffed.

The fast clicking noise you describe, mainly happens on a flat battery. If it happens while you are jumpstarting the car. Then it's the solenoid.

Chris

Normally if it gives a fast clicking noise it would indicate a loose battery terminal. I would disconect the terminals give them a good clean with some fine sandpaper or wire brush and reconnect. If that doesn't work, check the earth strap for the motor is tight. and that you have a good earth on the negative terminal from the battery. Failing that put a multi meter across the battery and see what it drops down to when trying to start. If the reading crashes, may need another battery.

cheers, will try the jumpstart then