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66 L-72 Start problem

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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 04:51 PM
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Default 66 L-72 Start problem

Each time I attempt to start car all I get is a buzz sound no clicking at all, a high torq starter was installed a couple of years ago. Also car has a optima red top battery that was installed 2 years ago. could it be the alternator ? need help thanks in advance
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 04:53 PM
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did you check all your connections at the battery and starter
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 05:04 PM
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I am not a big fan of those Optima batteries. They are prone to failure when the car sits. I agree with Nowhere Man on checking all your grounds and battery connections.
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 07:08 PM
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I gather you haven't been able to start it yet? Have you tried to juimp it - same result? The bulkhead connector at the firewall on the backside of the fuse block is another potential trouble place that could be losing continuity. The buzzing sound is kind of perculiar though, unless it's your TI box or something.
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Old Dec 9, 2009 | 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by DansYellow66
I gather you haven't been able to start it yet? Have you tried to juimp it - same result? The bulkhead connector at the firewall on the backside of the fuse block is another potential trouble place that could be losing continuity. The buzzing sound is kind of perculiar though, unless it's your TI box or something.

Yes I have tried to jump start it with same results. The connectors at the firewall have been cleaned still no luck. I will check all connections at the starter in the morning. Battery terminals were also cleaned.
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Old Dec 10, 2009 | 10:45 PM
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Check the ground. I have learned that on a Corvette you check the grounds before you do anything else.
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Old Dec 11, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by fstblk66
Yes I have tried to jump start it with same results. The connectors at the firewall have been cleaned still no luck. I will check all connections at the starter in the morning. Battery terminals were also cleaned.


You CANNOT jump start an optima red top battery and you cannot charge it with a regular battery charger. You must use a trickle charger that will take at least 6-8 hours to get your battery back up to full charge. I have had so many of those red top batteries fail over the past 4 years, that i will never use them again. Total waste of money. At one point in time they were great batteries, but i guess they decided they were too good and had to change them. Any advace auto parts or autozone, etc will carry the trickle chargers.
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Old Dec 11, 2009 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Corbrastang
You CANNOT jump start an optima red top battery and you cannot charge it with a regular battery charger. You must use a trickle charger that will take at least 6-8 hours to get your battery back up to full charge. I have had so many of those red top batteries fail over the past 4 years, that i will never use them again. Total waste of money. At one point in time they were great batteries, but i guess they decided they were too good and had to change them. Any advace auto parts or autozone, etc will carry the trickle chargers.
This is all new to me I had no clue of the no jump/no regular battery charge regarding the optima batteries. Yes I do have a trickle charger and have already connected it to the optima. Thanks much for the info, hopefully car will start in the morning.
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Old Dec 11, 2009 | 08:11 PM
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It could be your solenoid clicking. Crawl underneath and have someone try to start it. If it is the culprit give it a couple of whacks with a hammer to see if it is stuck. If it still doesn't go give the starter motor a few taps cause sometimes the armature can have a dead spot. If that still doesn't work pull the starter and bench test it.

Bob
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Old Dec 11, 2009 | 11:33 PM
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Default Can't jump start Optima?

"You CANNOT jump start an optima red top battery and you cannot charge it with a regular battery charger."

I understand the need for a specific battery charger, but why CANNOT they be jump started?
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Old Dec 13, 2009 | 07:43 PM
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So, did it start?
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Old Dec 13, 2009 | 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Corbrastang
So, did it start?
Unfortunately it didn't start. I suppose it just may be starter related...
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Old Dec 14, 2009 | 10:17 AM
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Have you checked the battery voltage with a multimeter? When the optimas fail, they will not charge at all.
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