robe 3 #1 Posted July 24 VID20240724141109 (2).mp4 Hi, Apologies upfront if this has already been bought up in the forum but have been unable to locate specific detail. My 312-8 would not start last time I checked rather when you turn the key all you get is a loud clicking noise (see attached video) almost like the starter motor has seized. I'm hoping someone can diagnose so I can rectify. Thanks in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,223 #2 Posted July 24 3 hours ago, robe said: when you turn the key all you get is a loud clicking noise That could be one of several things. Your starter solenoid is not receiving enough power which could indicate a loose connection or a bad battery. First thing to do is clean and tighten both ends of the cables connected to the battery, solenoid and starter including grounds. You should also have your battery load tested at an auto parts store, thy do this for free, 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,319 #3 Posted July 24 Welcome!! The 312 MAY have the infamous trouble prone 9 pin connector in the wiring harness - a common source of no start and no charge issues. Look for it.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,223 #4 Posted July 24 4 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Welcome!! The 312 MAY have the infamous trouble prone 9 pin connector in the wiring harness - a common source of no start and no charge issues. Look for it.... 9 Pin connector is an Onan thing not found on a 312 which is Kohler. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,319 #5 Posted July 24 Good to know... onto tracing power from the battery, thru safety switches, thru the ignition switch to the solenoid and out to the starter. Fun times... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #6 Posted July 24 4 hours ago, 953 nut said: they do this for free, Store is hoping to sell you a new battery, of course! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,412 #7 Posted July 24 To my untrained ears, that noise sounds more like a "whir" than a "click". Open up your hood and try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from. If I'm correct, you'll see the starter output shaft (left side) rotate like it should, but no gear will extend out to engage the engine flywheel. If that's the case, the correct solution is to remove, inspect, clean and lube the starter. I've never done that myself (yet), but there's several threads here on the forum describing that process. In a pinch, you could spray that area of the starter mechanism with a dry lube like graphite, or work the drive loose by prying GENTLY and CAREFULLY with a long screwdriver. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #8 Posted July 24 6 minutes ago, tunahead72 said: To my untrained ears, that noise sounds more like a "whir" than a "click". My ears are also saying the starter is turning but the bendix gear is not extending out to engage the flywheel. Starter motor servicing/lubrication needed. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,170 #9 Posted July 24 Agree with Ed and Don. Sure sounds like the starter is turning but not meshing with the flywheel. It needs to be removed, cleaned, and lubed. Read this thread carefully on how to remove the oil fill pipe to access the two starter bolts and the rear starter support clip. Then how to remove the starter without allowing the end caps to fall off the main body. Oh, to the 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick3478 428 #10 Posted July 24 I don't hear any motor movement, just the solenoid buzzing. There's enough current available to pull in the solenoid, then voltage collapses when the starter load hits and cannot hold the solenoid in. When the solenoid opens, battery voltage recovers until it can pull the solenoid in, and the cycle repeats as long as you hold the key in the start position. Battery is either failed or not being charged. Put a charger on it for awhile to figure out which of those to pursue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,223 #11 Posted July 25 10 hours ago, Handy Don said: Store is hoping to sell you a new battery, of course! If the battery will not pass a load test then they will be happy to sell a new one. Presuming they are an honest business they won't stick it to him if the battery is good. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,747 #12 Posted July 25 The guys have give you several things to check. Start with the easiest, cleaning battery cables and charging battery. Next have battery tested. Next put your hand on the starter and try to determine if it’s turning or your just hearing the solenoid clicking. If the starter is turning but the gear is not engaging the starter needs to be removed and serviced. You could temporarily try to spray some carb cleaned with a straw on to the starter gear/shaft with it turning. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
robe 3 #13 Posted July 25 Thankyou all very much for your suggestions which i'll try over next week or so and get back to you with update. Again many thanks 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
