I am in the process of restoring a 1991 z-28 convertible, it is a 305 tuned-port with a 5-speed transmission. Car had been parked for 8 years and needed the tank cleaned and a new battery. I would start the car every weekend and take it for a short ride to keep things charged etc. Well anyways this weekend I tried starting it and the engine would not turn over. I tried boosting it and nothing. I took in the battery and had it tested and was told it was good. The security light does not turn on when the key is first turned on? Could the VATS go bad just being parked? I checked the vats fuse and it was good, I did not think of checking the crank fuse I will do that this evening. Any tips will be helpful, I was thinking maybe the switch on the clutch pedal? Just find it strange that the car started fine last week on now it doesn't after being parked for a week? Thank you

 

Are you getting any amp draw on the starter? Turn your lights on and see if they dim when you are trying to start. If they do not then you are not getting power to the starter. I would start at the clutch safety switch then starter relay. Can you push start it?

 

I have not tried push starting it yet, I will check the light trick you mentioned then the clutch safety switch. Just find it strange that it worked fine one weekend then the next it didn't? I want to take the battery to another place to have it checked don't trust the place I bought it from. Thanks you for the tips.

 

It is possible that the fusible link for the start circuit has broken for one reason or another. This is a thinner gage wire that is meant to melt if the current draw is too high. After many years, the wire, being brittle is easily broken. This could have happened on your last drive. There are probably a few posts on here that talk about this if you do a search for "no start". If you noticed that the alternator was charging just fine while driving, then I wouldn't suspect the battery. You can check the static voltage of the battery. If there is 13.0-13.5 volts, then it is good.

I'm putting my money on the fusible link!

 

I can hear the fuel pump turn on when I turn the key and lights come on the dash would it still be a fusible link? I have searched the forums but have only found a few threads so far. Thanks for the tip.

 

Also check your terminal connections and main ground wires, any loose connections can cause a no-crank issue