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Car only starts when jacked up

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Old 06-17-2005, 12:09 PM
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Car: '03 S-10/ '87 Trans Am
Engine: mild 350
Transmission: TH350
Car only starts when jacked up

I'm trying to get my car ready to take down to the track tonight. A month ago it wouldent start so I jacked it up and messed with the connections and it started again. I left it up on the stands (in the front only) for a month and it has started fine everytime I have tried it. Today I let it down and it's doing the no start thing again.

I have a remote solenoid which is sending power to the starter when I turn the key and the connections down there are all tight. There is a long skinney bolt that is loose on the motor part of my starter which has been loose for a while, I've tried moving it around and tried to thread it back in and I still dont get a peep out of the starter. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Matt
Old 06-17-2005, 12:27 PM
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Car: RED 1986 IROC-Z28
Engine: 350 5.7L
Transmission: TH 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10 Bolt
Sounds like something with the solenoid. I know that you said its sending power, but did you check it up in the air or when it was on the ground. I would just change the solenoid so you can rule that out. Double check and make sure you're getting power to the solenoid from the key switch when the car is on the ground. If you're getting power there and the solenoid is good then it has to be the starter. Do you have vats on your car?
Old 06-17-2005, 12:28 PM
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Car: 89 RS
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check gas, it may sound stupid but it is a comon prob that people overlook
Old 06-17-2005, 12:39 PM
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Car: '03 S-10/ '87 Trans Am
Engine: mild 350
Transmission: TH350
I checked it with the multimeter when it was down and I am getting power at the starter. It has gas, but the car is not even turning over, all I get is a click from the solenoid.

Thanks,
Matt
Old 06-17-2005, 04:19 PM
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Car: 86 coupe
Engine: 383
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.27 posi
did you try giving the battery a jump?did you remove the shim you said you tried in the last post?
if so,then replace that solenoid like i said in the last post.
Eric B
Old 06-17-2005, 07:43 PM
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Car: 1992 Camaro RS Convertible & 1983 P
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To me.....

....it sounds like you are shorting out the solenoid somehow with the weight of the car on the wheels. Something must be shifting between being up on jacks and then down on all fours. Check clearance and connections while on the ground......I would be willing to bet the solenoid is shorting out against the frame.
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