EL Fairmont battery voltage while cranking

[malazn mafia]

Been having problems lately with car refusing to crank at times (EL Fairmont 6). However when it decides to start, the voltage meter drops at a moderate rate from 12 down to towards 11 as the car cranks (i can see the needle move). Is this normal? or do i need a new battery? thanks

[efgiar]

mine does that, but still starts first go

[hako]

If it refuses to crank and the volts do not drop to 11v then it means that power is not going to the starter motor as the volts should drop. If so, check the relay that operates the solenoid on the starter motor and if thats OK you may have a sticky solenoid which you can check by hitting the solenoid with something hard when it refuses to start - the thump will usually free the solenoid and allow it to make contact with the starter motor. If it is still sluggish it may be the starter motor on its way out - they can be pulled apart and you can clean the commutator etc. Also make sure its not something like the switch on the transmission incorrectly adjusted - the trans thinks you are not in park or neutral and stops the starter from actuating.

[302 Fairmont]

Hako is correct, also check the amperage of the battery as well, if the amps arnt there doesnt matter what the voltage can be. I have seen batteries drop as far as nine volts under cranking load. In regards to hitting the starter with a soft face hammer it really does work, ive done it on a patrol and a small truck, they can become sticky with age.

[malazn mafia]

thnx for the advice.. where is the starter solenoid located in relation to the starter motor? been under the car and found what seemed to be the starter motor (metallic cylinder shaped object with wires coming out the back) next to the transmission box, but where is the solenoid? thanx