Need help getting Chevy V8 to start

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Mar 25, 2003 | 03:35 PM

Square

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,940

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From: Chesapeake VA

Need help getting Chevy V8 to start

Hi guys, Sorry for the repost, I thought the first one didn't take.

I posted this in the "other cars" section as well since it is a chevy van, but I thought you guys could probably answer my question since your motors are the closest to this one.

I can't get a 1984 Chevy van to start. The motor will not spin. Here are the facts:
The history on the problem is that the previous battery fell into the hood (unsecured) and shorted while driving on the highway.

Starter is a new reman starter purchased after the battery shorted.

I have 2 batteries, AutoZone says they are both good.

When I try to start the van I hear 1 to 3 clicks (solenoid?) and then all the lights go out, and stay out until I disconnect and reconnect the battery.

After all the lights are out, the batttery terminals read in millivolts, not full volts (multimeter). Once I disconnect/reconnect the battery, it reads 12 volts again.

I have continuity (multimeter tested) on the positive cable from the battery end to the starter end.

I have continuity on the negetive cable from the battery end to where it bolts to the engine.

The van is a 1984 3/4 ton with a 305 V8 and a 4bbl carb.

I have not tried to jump start the van.

Any ideas?

Thanks for listening!

[Modified by Square, 2:38 PM 3/25/2003]

Mar 25, 2003 | 03:40 PM

Jvette73

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 4,004

Likes: 2

From: Severna Park Md

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (Square)

Sounds like a bad or corroded connection. Make sure all the connections are clean and tight. and make sure the battery is fully charged.

Mar 25, 2003 | 03:40 PM

77Dream

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 1,426

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From: San Diego, CA Website: ChrisMitchell.us

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (Square)

Quote:

When I try to start the van I hear 1 to 3 clicks (solenoid?) and then all the lights go out, and stay out until I disconnect and reconnect the battery.

That does sound like solenoid problems. Also, have you checked the fuseable links? They might have blown when battery caused short.

Mar 25, 2003 | 04:33 PM

pws69

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 2,668

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From: Eastern US XX

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (Jvette73)

I agree with Jvette73 - sounds like a bad connection. I had the exact same problem on an '80 350. I replaced the starter and solenoid twice THEN I discovered it was the connector on the starter end of the battery cable that was shakey. It was a hard coating of corrosion that had gotten glossy over time, so it looked like clean steel. It was real tricky and I was quite surprised (that's the humble pie type surprise) that a bad cable eluded ME!!

Really DIG in to those connections and be real sure.

Paul

Mar 25, 2003 | 04:47 PM

midwest-vette

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 193

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From: Bloomington IN

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (Square)

I had similar symptoms with my CJ7 and threw on a new starter and alternator. Turned out to be the solenoid. I banged it a few times with the handle of a big screw driver and it started. (bubba fix)

Also sounds like not enough juice from the battery if the lights go off.

The fusible link could be the problem although I blew it on the vette and got nothing at all when I turned the ignition.

Mar 25, 2003 | 05:40 PM

Square

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,940

Likes: 5

From: Chesapeake VA

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (midwest-vette)

Thanks for the replys!

I have cleaned the positive battery cable ends, but I do not know where the fuseable link is.

Also, is there supposed to be a relay for the starter somewhere? If so, where can I find that? My Ford van (I know, it's a Ford :nono: :D ) has the positive battery cable go to a small round module on the firewall and then to the battery.

Mar 25, 2003 | 05:49 PM

HDIronman

Pro

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 708

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From: somewhere south of normal

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (Square)

I had the same problem on my work van. Turned out to be the connectors on the battery cables. They looked fine, but when replaced the problem went away.

Good luck... :cool:

Mar 25, 2003 | 09:43 PM

daves80

Racer

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 343

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From: Port Orchard Washington

Re: Need help getting Chevy V8 to start (HDIronman)

even if you have continuity on the neg connector i would take a hard look at your grounds including the jumper from the back of the block to the firewall - these took all the heat when the battery hit the hood - the positives were isolated from damage by the direct grounding - dave