Have trouble starting my car. Motor is 70 Olds 350 Rocket installed in a 37 Plymouth. When I turn the key I get a click. Motor does not turn over. This happens usually three times, sometimes several more until, eventually, the starter engages the motor, it turns over and will start. Have tested the battery and installed brand new NAPA Gold edition starter/solenoid. Did not fix problem. Using a 20A relay, which is also brand new. Have tested ignition switch as well.
Any ideas?

Thanks
Grant

 

i would start with trying a different battery.is it pretty much a stock motor? the battery could be showing still good, but not putting out good enough cranking amps... also check for shorts at the starter...see if the wire is arching to anything...is it close to any metal?

 

maybe the starter is sticking, i suggest getting the starter rebuild or just get a new one if its not wiring or a battery. It might be a solenoid switch too.

 

was the motor hot each time you tried to start it?
Heat shield if you run headers on this one. Also, double check your connections on both ends, starter and battery to be sure you are getting clean connection. Bendix on starter could also be sticking, even new they are generally rebuilt starters.

 

[QUOTE=yogi]was the motor hot each time you tried to start it?
Heat shield if you run headers on this one. Also, double check your connections on both ends, starter and battery to be sure you are getting clean connection. Bendix on starter could also be sticking, even new they are generally rebuilt starters.


[/QUOTE
This is a good idea. Try warming the engine for fifteen minutes, then kill it and start again right away
Be well!
Travis

 

Well.. The Battery was charged and tested good at Auto Zone on their load tester machine. (Have had this same symptom before w/the last battery as well.) It will do this with the motor hot or cold. Turn the key...click-silence- turn key again-click silence-and then maybe on the third or fourth turn of the key she will start up. No hedders on this one. My old starter was doing this, so that''s why I tried the new top-end Napa starter. Same results. (Motor does turn over faster w/ the new starter though.) Stock motor. 1970 Olds, never rebuilt.
thanks!

 

I''m going to try a new battery next.

Thanks everyone for the help.