New crate motor,electrical problems please healp - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

GMODUDE · 10-08-2009, 12:03 PM

I just installed a 385 fast burn in my 92 camaro rs. I got everything set up and cranked the car to tune the carb. well there were small problems so i have had to crank the car multiple times since the install.when i turned the car on all these times it took a couple of tries to get the car to turn over. sometimes i messd with the battery and it startd. other times i just had to try the key multiple times.but recently when i try to start the car it wont turn over. the fuel pump turns on but the motor wont crank. i charged the battery and it does the same thing. the starter doesnt turn over or anything. just nothingness. any ideas....

Mike M · 10-08-2009, 06:36 PM

All signs point to a ground problem. The most overlooked thing when people swap out an engine is the ground straps. There is one usually on the back of the cylinder head on the passenger side. It grounds to the firewall. ALSO make sure the ground from the alternator bracket is connected to the battery. You should have at least two seperate grounds so everything will work well. Please get back to me if this solves your problem.
Good luck. Mike

GMODUDE · 10-09-2009, 10:49 AM

Alright I will check the grounds but im pretty sure as of now that I have both ground hooked up. I know the ground strap on the back of the engine is bolted to the firewall....and the connector and ground for the alternator are hooked up. ill have to check to c if the ground off the alternator is properly connected to the battery.

Mike M · 10-09-2009, 06:06 PM

Also make sure the wires on the starter are connected properly. Sometimes there are two smaller leads and if you connect the strter wire to the wrong one you'll get nothing.

t-top havoc · 10-09-2009, 10:18 PM

Did the starter make any squeel,whine,or dragging//slow turn-over?

Possible a starter wire// batt cable met a hot exhaust pipe?
I know this is also basics,but just to see if something was over looked..?..

rocketman1 · 10-09-2009, 10:33 PM

Turn the key on and ark the starter with some wires. Be carefull if you do it with a screw driver the car can run you over! If it starts there but not in the car you have an ignition problem. "make shure the car is in park or neutral" I also would check all the wireing before i did this test.