1982 Dodge D-150 starter motor help

[greasemonkey]

Does anyone have any suggestions about why a 225 inline six will not start when the starter button is pushed. (it has a button, not a key/its a farm truck thing) I know the battery is good because I have power to my lights and gauges, I have fuel, the starter just doesnt engage. I think it is the starter itself or the starter relay switch. How do I check this.

[mrjohnwayne]

should have a seperate relay like the ford's do on the firewall/fender. you can try jumping the relay and see if that engages the starter, or remove the starter and with a pair of jumper cables attach the positive and negative to the battery, install the ground to the starter body and brush the positive up the the wire terminal. It's best if you secure the starter cause it will jump on you if it is in working order.

[greasemonkey]

I replaced the starter relay switch, and it still wont work. Im not sure if its the ignition switch or the starter or wiring? This is getting frustrating. What can I do?

[mrjohnwayne]

Take the starter off and have it tested. almost anywhere will do it for free.

[crabtruck]

First rule of troubleshooting electrical: check to see if it's plugged in.
You didn't mention any voltage checks. Do you know if the switch is getting power ?
Check the voltage at each point in the circuit to see if it drops out at any point.
If you make it all the way to the starter with voltage, check for a good grounding.
I'm hoping you checked the relay is actually being triggered.

[greasemonkey]

Ok, I replaced the relay switch first, no luck. Just changed the starter, no luck. I tested both first and they were cooked. Now I need to check the ignition switch, and the starter button. I can get the truck to start if I hook the battery straight to the starter, so Im still not sure whats wrong with it.