Starting problems

[flatbedchev]

I need some input as to what could be the problem with my truck. It's a 72 Chevy with a 350. I charged the battery until it was reading a full charge. I hooked everything back up and turned the key......nothing. I checked all my accesories and they work. Now this thing hasn't had any trouble starting over the past 3 years. I figured it was my ignition switch, so I swapped it out seeing how I already had a new one in my shed. Still nothing. I started at the battery and cleaned all the connections, hooked everything back up and turned the key. This time it turned the engine over but was damn near dead. I need to know how to determine what is drawing the poswer out of this truck. Maybe my battery froze from sitting all winter? but if it froze, would it even take a charge?? Maybe the starter is weak? I have already replaced the alternator and the battery is only 3 years old, but the starter and solenoid are the ones that came with the engine. The engine is a donor from an 82 van

Any ideas?

[RustyParts]

I'd try swapping with another battery if you have one handy or jump it from another vehicle, if it does the same thing you have another problem.

[flatbedchev]

I've jumped it from my portable jump starter and it fires right up.

[RustyParts]

I believe it's time for a new battery.

[flatbedchev]

I pulled the battery at lunch and found acid residue on the tray. Must have froze and broke a cell. I'll be picking one up this week

[kelsfine69]

Dont be cheap, get a good one

[hiridn69gmc]

I had an issue with my old Nova that sounds simular. My starter was drawing excessive amounts of current. I would charge the battery, or even have a good battery, turn the key and the current draw off the starter would kill the battery.
I took it in to get tested after replacing and checking about everything else. If the new battery didn't solve your problems, it might not hurt to check here.

Hope it helps