Kinger1421

So I have a 65 Dodge 880 Custom with a 6.3l 383! I was driving it in January of this year, left it to sit untill about mid june. Now its not starting at all. I turn the ignition and all i get is a click like the starter is popping but not spinning. So i take the starter to get tested and it passes. Pop and spin! Its got a new Optima Yellow top in it so its getting plenty of power. Also every time i turn the ignition and get the pop i have to pull the neg bat line and put it on to get the same result (just a click). Any suggestions????

Polaradude

So you are getting the solenoid click and that's it ?
Check the main cable to the starter from the battery.
Check the grounds, battery to block, block to body or whatever your set up may be.
Let us know.

Kinger1421

All the connections are good, tight and unblocked. I made sure to check em when i put the starter back on!

Polaradude

So when you turn the key all you are getting is the solenoid click ?
We need a little more info.

Kinger1421

All i get is a click. Then if i try to turn it over again i dont get anything. So i pull the neg bat cable, and reconnect it then when i attempt to start it again i only get another click. I cant seem to get past this effin click.

scotts74birds

I'm dum but have you tried to turn the engine by hand? When you try to start and hold the key, does the pos bat cable heat-up?

Kinger1421

Yes even a lil smoke from the terminal!

scotts74birds

Try turning the engine by hand.

Kinger1421

You mean at the flywheel?

scotts74birds

probably with a socket and breaker bar at the bolt on the front of the crank. Should be some resistance, but you shouldnt have to reef or stand on it. clockwise while facing the motor.

Kinger1421

Sounds pretty effin hazardous but ill give it a shot. lemme know if you come up with anything else. i could use all the brainstorming i can get!

scotts74birds

Well ya dont do it while its running! but I didnt think that was an issue right now, lol. turn the key off if you are worried about kick-starting.

Kinger1421

O running is def a problem so i wouldnt even put the key in it anyway! Soon as i score a Socket that size ima give it a shot

Kinger1421

Ok so i replaced the starter relay and its cranking over!!!!!! I havent tried to start it fully because i am noticing a small amount of smoke coming from the neg terminal! What the hell is that about???

scotts74birds

Neg terminal at the battery? If the connection is tight, one should look at the strands of the cable going into the clamp. It can become corroded and only a few strands may actually be intact, is there alot of green corrosion on the strands? Voltage=pressure. It does not take much to cause resistance in a 12v circuit. So I guess it was the starter relay? Or was it from cleaning the contacts on the wires while changing the relay?

Kinger1421

it was the starter relay. now i have a clog somewhere in the fuel line like i did when i first picked this thing up.

scotts74birds

I am happy for you.