My starter is clicking everytime I turn the key. Does that mean it's: dead, cable loose, or something else?

I'll tell you everything I know. About 8 months ago my starter died, but I found out it was just a loose cable so I haven't had a problem with it since. It's the stock 350 starter as far as I can tell, so I'm sure it's probably its time if that's the case. Up to the clicking it was cranking extremely slowly. I did jump the battery for a while, but it refuses to hold a charge above 8 volts. (The battery is 2 months old, but I haven't driven the car more than 10 miles in the last 5 months)

The reason why I don't think it's dead is because like I said above, I don't ever drive the thing. Haven't used a full tank of gas since June, so the starter has had it easy. Do they just go dead even if they're sitting there?

If it is for sure dead, I want to get a nice Aftermarket mini high-torque starter because I do have Hooker LT headers, so the more I can keep the starter away from the headers, the better.

Thanks!

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The '82Z
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[This message has been edited by crazeinc (edited November 15, 2000).]

 

sounds like the starter. best to take it some where to be tested before you tear into the car and remove or replace good part.

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-=ICON MOTORSPORTS=-
1st & 3rd

 

how am I supposed to get it tested if I can't start the dang thing?

 

Ya take the starter off the engine and take it somewhere (parts store) and get it tested. They'll tell ya if it's good or bad...

 

If the battery won't hold a charge over 8 volts, I'd be having it tested! Then if it doesn't start, the starter is probably bad. Sitting around will let the battery drain, but not usually kill the starter.

 

It's the battery

 

I think it's the solenoid...that battery is practically brand new and it's never been a problem.

 

Swap out another battery and see if that makes a difference. If it doesn't, then you knoe to go in the area of the starter.