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?

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.

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

Re: 305 TPI won't start
 

Check the ignition switch on the column not the key cylinder switch. That tends to go out

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

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...7c4c4a92b2.jpg

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!

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.