Ok.. jus built my first motor.. 355 small block, all the usual power adders and even some pretty stuff, bottom line, I turn the key to on position, everything is good.. go to crank the motor, I hear a click down in the engine bay (thinkn its at the starter). will crank every so often, but not enough to dance a jig over, if I hook up a manual starter clicker to it, it cranks every time. I have no VATS, 86 TA, TPI. I did change out the ground cable in favor of a longer one off of a late 80s full size Chevy Van. Its grounded to the fuel pump block off plate.. Does anyone have any ideas on what my issue could be? Please help.. Thanks

 

You probably aren't getting enough voltage to the solenoid through the start circuit. There are connectors, neutral safety switch, ignition switch, and more connectors to get through before getting to the starter solenoid. A little voltage drop across each of these and you have significant loss by the time you try to energize the solenoid.

I had the same problem a couple of years ago. I installed a remote start solenoid and haven't had a single no-start since. Just don't do a remote solenoid if you have a permanent magnet starter (I learned that the hard way).

 

So in your opinion, what do you think my best option is in order to solve this problem,, There is no way to up the voltage coming from the battery, all the other connectors obviously have to have power, maybe double check the connectors for corrosion and then reattach, but I cant see anything else that would need to be done... I appreciate your response. Any ideas? I have upgraded the terminals to the battery to brass and upgraded my grounds also. I am stumped and I am ready to fire this thing for the first time in 6 years.......

 

Check the voltage the starter solenoid is getting. This will require a voltmeter, having the car up on jackstands or ramps (most likely), and somebody to turn the ignition to the start position.

If it is a couple of volts below battery voltage, I'd recommend installing a remote solenoid.

 

You could also grab a schematic of the wiring. Check the voltage as five7kid suggested at the starter and work your way up the line until you see a change in voltage. Could be anywhere in your start circuit.

Do you have any water leaks? I have heard of corrosion building up on connections due to a leaky windshield. The ignition switch is mounted to the steering column. The relay for the security system (Did they have this yet in 86?) is behind the kick panel on the driver's side. The park/neutral switch is at the shifter (If automatic). The clutch switch is at the clutch (If manual).

That is what I know off the top of my head. Check out Autozone's website. They have pretty good schematics usually.

 

Thanks guys, its been garaged for the past 6 yrs since it wasnt running and had the windshield replaced in 05.. Will check autozone and do a voltage check.. I appreciate ur help.. will let u know what i come up with.

five7kid... am I looking for the voltage to read 12 at the starter or no? jus double checkin