ricklima

I have a problem when trying to start the car.
When I first turn the key - accessories come on then I start to here the starter engage - then I lose power.
I have to disconnect the battery - wait a while and then try to start again - same problem.
checked the battery - connections - ground.
do not know where to start.

MelWff

did you test the battery with a voltmeter and have about 12.75 volts?
you checked the condition of the ground under the car?
you checked the condition of the battery wire at the starter?

DUB

SO your starter is actually cranking the engine over. Correct???

But while the starter is cranking the engine...it just STOPS. Correct???

Is it an automatic or manual transmission car???

DUB

ricklima

as stated yes checked battery. used two different batteries. same problem.
checked and ground wire - removed and ground down area were it connects to frame.
checked connections to the starter.

ricklima

your starter is actually cranking the engine over. Correct??? (NO)
But while the starter is cranking the engine...it just STOPS. Correct??? (as soon as I turn the key - I hear the starter engage - then all power goes off).
Is it an automatic or manual transmission car??? (manual)

DUB

It sound like to me that you have a battery cable issue . Either being dirty cable ends at the battery or a connections LOOSE somewhere.

It also can be a bad a starter.

You turn the key and hear a 'CLICK'. That is letting me know that either you do not have enough power from the battery to crank the engine...or as I mentioned...there is a loose connection at the starter BECASUE...when you go to crank it. It takes so much current to spin over your starter and engine..that the loose connection is NOT allowing the current to flow.

Your car does have a clutch safety switch which makes it so you have to have the clutch pressed down to crank the car also...if it is still correct from the factory.

Which I believe it is good due to you say you hear a click.

I am betting a bad solenoid or wiring at the solenoid.

DUB

ricklima

You turn the key and hear a 'CLICK'. That is letting me know that either you do not have enough power from the battery to crank the engine...or as I mentioned...there is a loose connection at the starter BECASUE...when you go to crank it. It takes so much current to spin over your starter and engine..that the loose connection is NOT allowing the current to flow. why does all power go out? all lights on dash dome light everything. I can not turn the key again and get anything - I have to disconnect the battery reconnect after a while and then when I try and start the car the same thing happens all over again. I will check connections at the starter again tonight.
I am pushing the clutch in. thanks

Duane4238

Along with DUB'S suggestions, have you ever replaced your ground and hot cables? They are almost 50 years old. Corrosion travels inside the copper cables and eats them up over time. Then people have problems and replace parts but forget about the cables themselves. Just a suggestion. Measure the resistance of your cables to make sure they're not your problem. Good luck.
Duane

calwldlife

start position will cut off power to most things.
if i read the thread right, sounds like a starter.
it is heating up and requiring more amps.
autozone can test it.

just a guess.

ricklima

I am checking the alternator today at Autozone - I will check the starter as well - thanks

ricklima

Both cables replaced - and I ground down the area were the (-) is attached to the frame.