Just about had enough

[TheWhiteElephant]

Don't give up, we've all been through similar issues with our vehicles at one time or another. Have you ever had the carb rebuilt? What kind of carburetor is it? Plug wires changed? Distributor cap and rotor changed? These are all simple items to look at and change. Your starter may also need to be shimmed. Does it sound like it is making good contact with the flywheel? How do the flywheel teeth look?

Approach it in a civilized manner--look at these things as challenges to make you learn about your truck. Remember, its just a machine. There's a wealth of information all over the internet, too. I wish this information was around when I started working on my vehicles years ago.

[67_SS396]

Try jumping the solenoid as said earlier. Either with a screwdriver, small pry bar or remote starter. It wont shock you. If it cranks and even fires, then it's a bad solenoid. Jump the battery terminal on the solenoid to the "start" terminal.
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[rwhit57]

Originally Posted by 67_SS396

Try jumping the solenoid as said earlier. Either with a screwdriver, small pry bar or remote starter. It wont shock you. If it cranks and even fires, then it's a bad solenoid. Jump the battery terminal on the solenoid to the "start" terminal.
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Most likely, but it could mean the power isn't getting to the solenoid when the ignition is turned to the start position. The fact that it's clicking tells me it probably is, but this should be checked also.

Start fresh, plugs, dist cap, rotor, wires, make sure the starter is shimmed right, adjust the timing until the motor fires quickly, and then see where you're at. If the carb needs work find someone that can do it for you.

[jdheff1982]

Is it possible with the engine setup I have that I may need a high torque starter? The cam that is installed is here http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=109&sb=2 . With a setup like I have, it could be too much for the cheapo starters from AZ.

The current starter I have now was giving me issues before this. I installed the heat shield, it worked like new again. I prolly over worked it when I was trying to start the truck the other day and drained the battery.

I did leave out a fun detail from yesterdays rant. I was trying to install a choke cable. Got it ran thru the firewall, positioned it where I wanted it. I had the end sitting under something to hold it in place, I stepped away, heard it smack something, went to check it, and the damn thing was sparking the junction box for the blower motor line. The cable then grounded itself to the temp gauge temp line and glowed bright yellow. Next thing I knew, I had a small fire going from a nearby electrical line. So now, the outer sheath for the choke cable is broken and the temp line is burnt. I sure had a fun day yesterday....

I went to try to start the truck this morning, nothing. Everything power wise works. When I turn the key to start, the voltage drops from 12+ volts to 0 until I release key, then it is back to 12+ volts again. My guess is the solenoid is shorted.

[jdheff1982]

Originally Posted by 67_SS396

Try jumping the solenoid as said earlier. Either with a screwdriver, small pry bar or remote starter. It wont shock you. If it cranks and even fires, then it's a bad solenoid. Jump the battery terminal on the solenoid to the "start" terminal.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry, I have never jumped anything like this. Is there a way to do this w/o having to be under the truck? Thanks.

[jdheff1982]

Originally Posted by rwhit57

Most likely, but it could mean the power isn't getting to the solenoid when the ignition is turned to the start position. The fact that it's clicking tells me it probably is, but this should be checked also.

Start fresh, plugs, dist cap, rotor, wires, make sure the starter is shimmed right, adjust the timing until the motor fires quickly, and then see where you're at. If the carb needs work find someone that can do it for you.

It only clicked once sine I reinstalled battery and alt. The plugs are fresh, wires are good, unknown about cap and rotor, and the carb will be replaced soon.