Having a wierd starting issue, I don't get spark sometimes. I can cycle the key off and on, and when it's good and ready it'll start. I can hear what sounds like a relay clicking under the hood if I wiggle the key, what would this be, and is it related? It is definitely electrical, I have had a timing light on it, seen that there was no spark, then suddenly spark and it fires. It has never cut off or had problems once started, and I've had it on several hour cruises. It always starts, just have to try it a couple times but hasn't left me stranded...yet.

 

Sounds like the switch.

 

This could be several things causing the problem you describe.

1) Check the wires on the starter and make sure they are clean and not corroded.
2) Check the battery terminals and make sure they are not corroded.
3) Check the ground on the bell housing.
4) Check the starter solenoid, and/or the starter itself.
4) Check the ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column.

The clicking sound you are hearing is not a relay but the starter solenoid trying to hit. If you have a burnt spot on the armature in the starter, this will cause this noise to happen. If you have a bad or corroded wire, you will hear this sound due to low voltage to the starter. From what you describe it sounds like corrosion/ground issue. When you try to start the car, it will spark and this will cause an arch and allow for good contact. Sometimes for a few starts other times for only one.

The ignition switch at the bottom of the steering column might be the problem but I would check the other items first. The ignition switch is controlled by a drive link rod that is attached to a rack on the end of the ignition switch. You might have a bad switch or a loose screw that holds the switch to the column, but I doubt this is the problem. It’s rare for this to be the issue.

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