Casey J Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 my 56 roadmaster was running fine and would not crank the starter...battery is charged..lights and horn operate..where can i find the starter relay ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NailheadBob Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 (edited) I would suggest to scroll own to Buick - Post War section, a lot of knowledgeable people there, possibly @JohnD1956 will be able to help you and many others. Bob EDIT: where can i find the starter relay ? On the drivers side inner fender skirt under the hood, here is what it looks like. Edited June 1, 2022 by NailheadBob update (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 The solenoid is on (above) the starter motor. Likely the copper bolt that the positive cable is connected to is loose, dirty, or the stud itself is burned on the solenoid side. If you remove the plastic 'cap' from the solenoid the battery stud can be rotated and reinstalled to provide a new contact surface for the solenoid. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobileparts Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 If you want or need, I have exactly one (1) N.O.S. *** DELCO *** in the *** DELCO Tin Can *** Starter Solenoid !!!! Call if interested--- 516 - 485 - 193five --- Craig.... 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 The starter solenoid is located on the drivers side fender skirt like @NailheadBob mentioned. Here is a picture of the location at the blue arrow A more direct picture shows it's location and orientation The other relay you see on the top is the horn relay. But let me ask what your car's symptoms are. When you turn the key and step on the gas pedal do you hear any clicks? If so can you tell if they are coming from the starter relay? Or down lower by the starter? Luckilly you can check this by yourself under the hood. block your wheels and then turn on the ignition and then go under the hood and pull the carb linkage back towards the firewall to activate the starter switch. If the relay clicks it is not the problem. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 One simple problem could be battery terminals that need to be cleaned, especially if they were merely slipped on the battery posts and not tightened before you had the car last running. Although that does not sound like the case since your headlights still work, I just wanted to be sure to mention it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 1, 2022 Share Posted June 1, 2022 As a test with the key on jump across the wires on the carburetor start switch...carefully since those wires are not fuse protected and will fry your harness if grounded. if it starts then that switch needs cleaning or replacing. If no joy jump 12V+ to the large black wire on the starter relay in the above pictures. If no joy time to pull the starter and check the solenoid and starter. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete O Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 Another problem to look for is a sticking vacuum switch on the carb. When you depress the accelerator to start the car, the throttle linkage movement allows the mechanical part of the vacuum switch to close the solenoid circuit. I've had mine stick a couple of times and a tap with a screwdriver handle freed it up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAD36 Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 (edited) Starter Solenoid switches big amps to the starter motor at the starter and the contacts will pit, limiting current to the motor. Notorious on marine engines. See Emtees trick - I can vouch it works no need to buy a new one unless the coils are shot. Starter Relay on fender switches lower amps to energize prior mentioned starter solenoid extending to complete the high amp circuit to motor. Try rapping on lid with a screwdriver handle. The cover can be removed and contacts cleaned if I have my relays right - someone correct me if not. Unless the coils are shot on that relay these contacts can be cleaned up and still be used. There’s a car quest part number that matches up if you’re in a jam. Would have to dig for it….. Edited June 9, 2022 by KAD36 (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NailheadBob Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 Just as @KAD36 stated once the cover of relay removed I use a ignition point file to clean the contact points and I also do the same on voltage regulators. Bob 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 The OP has been missing since his first and only post on 31 May.. 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 Not to mention the OP makes no sense. How could it be running fine if the starter motor won't crank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEarl Posted June 8, 2022 Share Posted June 8, 2022 8 hours ago, old-tank said: The OP has been missing since his first and only post on 31 May.. maybe he couldn't find his way back here🙄. I emailed him and advised that he has lots of great advice waiting on his return... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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