Oooops, will try with some text this time!

My starter clicks and spins, but isnt engaging.

Battery reads 12.5v at rest but drops to 8v when trying to crank then returns to 12.2v instantly, and gradually (1minute) returns to 12.5v

Have tried jumping but no joy. Any ideas?

[Edited on 17/10/09 by Hugh_]

Solenoid?

Edit
I posted before the text , thought we were playing one word thread again

[Edited on 17/10/09 by liam.mccaffrey]

the solenoid clicks. I must confess that Im ignorant of how the starter on a pinto works, probably time to take it apart and have a gaander...

I sounds like a battery or dud motor problem, but check earths.
My celica had a bad earth, resulting in clicking.
New earth strap and perfect.
Darren

Try using a jump lead as an earth strap to the starter.

I had this happen on the old Dutton. It turned out to be a shattered bendix, which wasnt fully engaging, and eventually stripped the teeth where it was engaging. New bendix, and hey presto.

The 8v is the major clue ---- points to a battery problem probably a dead cell.

A normal voltage cold cranking load is 10v