I have a 1992 Firebird with a new ignition, lock cylinder, neutral safety switch, VATS delete, good starter, and good battery. 305 TBI with T5.

And a buddy of mine has a 1988 Camaro. He has a good battery and has been through two new starters. 350 TPI with T5.

Both of our cars will start fine, but sometimes they wont. Sometimes you'll turn the key and nothing will happen. You'll hear the starter click but it won't start, and if you keep trying, boom it will just start like no problem.

Anyone have an idea of what's going on with our cars?

 

Check batt grounds to block, batt cables and ign switch under the dash on the colum.

 

We've tried all that lol

 

I see that you have the VATS Delete(assume its in the prom), If i am not mistaken is there not a starter relay on VATS equipped cars? Possibly the relay is toast? It is odd that you say the starter clicks, that leans me towards bad ground, battery or starter...

 

I've had that problem on three of my sbc's and a dodge 318. All four needed starters. I'd still recheck grounds, including the starter contacing the block.

 

yes yes and yes I agree Check Grounds and make sure starter is good...HOWEVER There is a START ENABLE RELAY on the kick panel that some times has issues also check the clutch pedal switch these can act up .. by passed mine years ago ..

 

Are you losing total power when the key is turned to the start position or just hear the clunk of the starter? If you are losing total power, you would have a bad connection or ground.



If you aren't losing power but just hear it click, I would change the starter as it sounds like a flat spot in the starter (the solenoid is engaging the flywheel, but the main motor isn't spinning)

 

Is ignition key good or going out it's bound to fail had similar problems

Starter circuit is pretty simple
Look up diagram and diagnos
http://www.austinthirdgen.org/index.php?pid=19

 

rite next to the battery there is a plastic power post one wire goes to the battery the others are fusable links take them apart and clean them individually with sand paper and put back together do not over tighten the ctr nut . you should be good arter that.

 

Thanks guys I'll check everything out tomorrow evening when I get off work.

 

Might be a burned contact ring in the starter, if it ends uo @ the burned pos. The starter will push the bendix forward but not power the motor since the contact ring contact ahs too much resistance. Take the starter apart and check the ring and flip it over or file it down smooth if needed

 

are they aftermarket starters from the part stores. if so its probbly the starters ive went through 10 or more sbc starters from advanced auto in the last year there junk got a mini torque have had no probles since