Starter Clicking when trying to start

[02stu]

When I try to start my car my starter is just clicking very quickly. I suspected a bad connection but I can't find anything. The headlights are bright, I have removed and retightened the battery cables and everything on the starter seems to be tight. What could this be? The engine is an m50 if that makes anydiffferance. Could it be the celinoid? Normally a bad celinoid will only cause one click right?
Thanks
Stu

[rede30]

If you lights are bright you battery still might be bad. My guess is its your battery

[golfdmb18]

yea, get a jump and see if it starts

[wagonizzle]

Better yet, have a friend hold a multimeter on the battery terminals as you crank the motor. See how far it drops while you are cranking. I've had batteries with good connections drop well into the single digits while cranking even though they measured 12V at rest. Will give you a better idea of where you're at with this problem.

[ddavidv]

The clicking is the solenoid. Click=working.
I'd have that battery tested. Batteries do funny things. They will have a full charge, yet develop an internal short and the juice can't get out. I've had lots of bizarre battery problems over the years.

[lordofthewaters]

I dunno about the m50 but m20 and m10 have an engine ground that runs from the oil pan to the frame. It'll just click if this is broken or inadequate. I'd try my one clamp of jumper cables on the oil pan plug and the other end on a well grounded area like a strut mount. Can't hurt to try.