Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

305 TPI won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-18-2016, 09:44 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
iAmGeranimo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
305 TPI won't start

Just picked up my 3rd third gen, it's a 305 IROC with TPI. Previous owner said no start, couldn't get the starter to even click. Well, pulled the ignition switch, turned it with a pair of needle nose pliers, and I get it to make one satisfactory "click", sounds more like a clunk than a click. Starter looks almost brand new, but I happen to have a spare mini starter laying in my old 305. Other than the starter and the ignition switch being bad, what else would be advisable to look for?
Old 10-18-2016, 09:45 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
iAmGeranimo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 305 TPI won't start

Battery's sitting at 12.8 volts, tried hooking an additional jump start unit to it as well, along with switching batteries, so those shouldn't be an issue. And for whatever reason the battery has been re located to the rear. Haven't checked the ground to the battery.
Old 10-18-2016, 09:48 PM
  #3  
Senior Member

 
maks10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Morgantown, WV
Posts: 524
Received 100 Likes on 69 Posts
Car: 1990 Trans Am
Engine: 5.7 350 HSR afr195 xfi268
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Re: 305 TPI won't start

Since your starter is just clicking see what the voltage is at the ignition terminal on starter when you try to crank over. And may want to apply 12v there and see if the engine turns over

Last edited by maks10; 10-18-2016 at 09:52 PM.
Old 10-19-2016, 12:46 AM
  #4  
Senior Member

 
tealman92's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 998
Received 19 Likes on 16 Posts
Car: 1992 Z28
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700R4
Re: 305 TPI won't start

Check the ignition switch on the column not the key cylinder switch. That tends to go out
Old 10-19-2016, 01:05 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
zed-028's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Perth Western Australia
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: 305 TPI won't start

clicking is a good indication of bugger-all amps present at the time of cranking. ive had batteries saying 12v+ and when you go to crank there is nothing. there will usually be enough juice in it to run the radio and a light or 2 in the cabin or dash just to make it a little more confusing to diagnose. throw another battery in or try a jump, it could well be that simple

Old 10-19-2016, 12:38 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
iAmGeranimo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 305 TPI won't start

I'll throw another battery in, switch starters, and direct 12 v the starter to see what I get later this afternoon. I appreciate the responses, I'll post back my results later!
Old 10-24-2016, 11:09 AM
  #7  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
iAmGeranimo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 305 TPI won't start

So as an update, the battery was relocated to the trunk, and was routed directly underneath the car. Power wire got so hot it melted, and direct grounded itself to a piece of heat shield. Pulled that power wire, ran another one for temporary purposes. Tried again, crank but no start. Distributor cap had an inch of water in it. Replaced the cap, same thing. Looked at the ignition coil, it was corroded to hell, so I went to auto zone and picked up an Accel ignition coil, as well as plugs and wires. Came back, we now have spark, and air, but no fuel. Could finally get it to start using some starting fluid for about 3 seconds, and then it wasn't getting enough fuel. Fuel pump & fuel pump relay were both bad, but I've put off the fuel pump until this weekend, due to the fact that I really didn't feel like dropping a fuel tank this weekend.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
F-Body Int
Members Firebirds
45
09-27-2019 03:14 PM
Mark A Shields
Members Camaros
1
08-30-2016 07:57 PM
amfornal
Auto Detailing and Appearance
5
08-26-2016 03:23 PM
Bigdream
Pacific Northwest Region
6
08-17-2016 08:25 PM



Quick Reply: 305 TPI won't start



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:53 PM.