Hey guys,

I decided to do a V6 FI to V8 Carb swap on a 91 Bird. I am the lone ranger on this b/c no one has the time to help.

My problem is: I have everything hooked up. Turned the engine over w/o compression (plugs). Everything works, oil, tach and volts. Got ready to fire it up (plugs in). Cranked but died. Tried it again...starter is now clicking...no turning over. Just clicking. (it was used previously). So I tried swapping with another starter I had laying around...now I have no response whatsoever.????

There is 12V power...(lights work)...No cranking, clicking, nothing.
Could I have tripped something?

Thanks,
Franchise

PS As for the fuel regulator...since I have a mechanical pump now... can I just disconnect the power to the fuel pump?

 

your origonal starter is probably fine. charge your battery.

 

yeah, that clicking means your battery is too far dead to turn the motor over, but still has enough juice to make the lights and stuff work.

 

there is your problem. DEAD BATTERY BRO!!!!

 

"Can" and "should" are two completely different things.

 

Make sure the wires on the solinoid are tight. A bad connection here and it could seem you have a dead battery. The volt gauge will read low because there is not a good connection but it could just be the wires are loose.

 

Thanks for the info guys...I will charge the battery.

1) What about the total lack of cranking response???
I have 12V...the lights work...but even though the batt is dead...there still should be something. right? there is no clicking or anything. I heard of a Neutral Safety Switch before...HOw do you know???

2) So you are saying to disconnect the fuel pump 12V. Will it run OK off a mech pump with the in-line pump turned off, but not removed?

Thanks.

 

i can answer #2. some will work fine, most of my experience, you need to drop the tank, pull the pump and extend the pickup. it will run (idle) while pulling through the intank pump, but it will not drive. ie, it will run out of fuel, etc.

 

My battery went dead recently, and I couldn't get it to crank or click at all. All of the interior lights worked, althought they were a little more dim than normal. Even with a jump, it was DEAD. I swapped it out with the battery from my other car, and it fired right up.

 

Also, make sure you have a good ground to the block - if you're trying to pull ground from the little wires attached from the block, it might cause the starter not to turn over.. and might cause some smoking if you leave it for too long (my cousin no longer allowed to touch any of my cars after the last "accident" )

 

Thanks for the info guys.

Nova....I will disconnect the fuel pump and see what happens.

Guys, I will double-check the batt power and batt ground to block.

I heard of something where the neutral safety switch prevents the starting....any info?