Hi all.

This is for a stock '88 Westy.

In spite of some recent wiring and a low battery a while back,
(charged it up, starter worked fine after that), the engine has always
started.

Today at the mall, when restarting, the starter wouldn't turn. IIRC,
it "clicked" once, but then nothing. Voltage at battery and alternator
stud: 12.8  Battery posts + clamps, and starter 30 connection are
clean. Solenoid connection is fairly clean. (certainly not corroded)
Turning key dims headlights nearly completely. I hit the starter
several times with a hammer, but NOT while a helper held the key in
the "start" position. I ran out of trouble shooting time and had to go
to work.

I'm hoping it's the ignition switch but if not......

Can a starter (or solenoid) just suddenly fail?  In my experience they
usually give warning signs; slow and/or intermittent cranking.

I'm asking b/c instead of racking up another call to AAA for a tow,
weather permitting, I'll drag along a spare starter (I'll be on foot)
and swap that in if that's the most likely issue.

Bump starting not so easy as this parking lot is always busy.

Thanks,

Neil.

--
Neil n

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'88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.

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