Starting Problem

[Roledan]

Hello,
I have a 1965 convertible that won't start. The starter is brand new, and so is the battery. It has been checked and is putting out plenty of cold cranking amps. The relay is also new. All connections have been tightened and cleaned. When I turn the key all I get is clicking from the relay. Does anyone have any ideas what may still cause this? Thank you

 

[The Shemdogg]

Sounds like your starter solenoid is the only thing left to replace. Try switching the 2 small wires around, you may have the switched on onto the wrong solenoid terminal. Check which wire has voltage when the keys in the start postion

shem

 

[B.erazo712]

Might be the ignition coil or distributor. Make sure you are getting spark from your spark plugs, if not its one of those 2.

 

[horse sence]

Probably a ground issue .Do you have a ground strap from the block to the body ?

 

[tos]

Probably a ground issue .Do you have a ground strap from the block to the body ?

This is first place to start, Also check your batt ground cable grounding point wherever it grounds (engine or frame) and make sure its tight. And like Horse says - ground strap from the block to the firewall.

Did this run recently?

 

[Zstang66]

I agree with this. Check this stuff. Good luck.

Might be the ignition coil or distributor. Make sure you are getting spark from your spark plugs, if not its one of those 2.

 

[CUAviator]

I'm also having start issue. I use a battery tender (since I don't drive it often). On the first start after disconnecting the tender, it cranks and turns over instantly. On subsequent starts, it cranks, but either takes a while to actually turn over or I have to tap on the accelerator a little. The battery is brand new.

Any ideas?

 

[Zstang66]

Sounds like you need a new started or you have a ground loose .

 

[CUAviator]

Sounds like you need a new started or you have a ground loose .

Would a loose ground only affect subsequent starts after a good initial start? Seems like it would affect the initial one as well.

 

[Zstang66]

That's the bad thing about loose ground wires they can be intermittent. I would just check everything ground. But I would guess it's your starter. Is it cracking over just not stating right away? If so that's normal. There old cars and when there cold it takes a few cranks. I know my 66 When its cold cranks over about 4 times before it starts.

 

[CUAviator]

That's the bad thing about loose ground wires they can be intermittent. I would just check everything ground. But I would guess it's your starter. Is it cracking over just not stating right away? If so that's normal. There old cars and when there cold it takes a few cranks. I know my 66 When its cold cranks over about 4 times before it starts.

Yeah, kind of. It also does it when it warm. And the engine is a crate motor (2010) with EFI, fairly new starter, plugs, and cables.

 

[Zstang66]

So I would check ur starter, ground wire and your distributer and make sure you timing is right.