V8s starter help please...

[daitvr]

My V8s occasionally did not fire up straight away but makes a loud clack on turning key. It always started on 2nd or 3rd try. As it was rare I never fixed it (in 9 years- lazy eh?) but now it wont fire at all. Im sure I read it was the earth on chassis behind front wheel a few years ago (maybe on a Chim. thread) but a full clean hasnt helped. Can anyone help please?

[Barkychoc]

Also check the big fat red lead from the battery to the main starter terminal, it might be a bit loose or dirty and making poor contact.
Its a straight through cable from the positive battery terminal in the boot to the starter terminal.
It sounds like the soleniod is engaging but the motor itself isn't getting any or enough juice to turn the engine over.
I have an engine earth strap which runs from under the alternator bracket to the chassis on the drivers side - worth checking aswell, see pics below.

Earth Strap drivers side


Earth strap engine end

[clarenceboddiger]

It could just need new Brushes and/or the commutator cleaning up.

[daitvr]

Thanks for the info! Never looked at the alternator end of the cable so the pic really helps. I will be trying that first when I have my next day off as I got fed up looking yesterday. Will let you know when Ive tried it. Thanks again