I have a 70’ Roadrunner with a 383, and it’s been giving me some starting issues. The motor won’t crank all the time, maybe 1 out of every 7 times on average. When I turn the key, it’ll make a little clicking sound and won’t turn over. Also the headlights are dim, radio and dash accessories don’t turn on even when the key is in the run position. Everything seems to be on when the car is running only. I’ve replaced voltage regulator, starter solenoid, positive and negative wires for the battery and the ignition switch. Maybe the ignition switch needs some adjustment? Any information would help, thanks!

-Berj

 

Berj -

Kinda sounds like a bad battery. And what did you ground it too, or rather, was the ground clean?
Assume you checked the voltage cold AND while running?
When it's running you're going off the alternator.

have to do the easy stuff first.

Archer

 

I also believed it to be a battery/ground issue at first.
I’ve replaced the battery twice, and my voltmeter has been reading 12.3 bolts while cold. I haven’t checked it while idle. I have grounded it to the block, and sanded it down and there is also another ground on the chassis, by the battery tray towards the front of the car.

 

Two things, Is the starter tight and grounded to bellhousing. Jump the starter relay and if it cranks each time look at the bulkhead connections and ignition switch wiring.

 

Would the starter being grounded to the bellhousing have anything to do with the radio/gauges not getting power? I’ll check these out, thanks.

 

No but corroded bulkhead connector would do what your experiencing.

 

i would check those cables real, real good. if there is corrosion under the sheathing it'll do this same thing.

 

I narrowed it down to the ignition switch needing adjusting. When I turn the key, it doesn’t do a thing but as I bring it back it cranks. The headlights are still dim, horn is quiet and radio doesn’t turn on. Once the car is running, they’re all at full power. Also the car isn’t getting spark 20% of the time. Also a grounding issue? Thanks to you all for helping me narrow it down, she’s almost there!

 

ooooooooooooooo, so nice!