C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

1987 c4 Won't Start

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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 01:13 PM
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Default 1987 c4 Won't Start

I have an 1987 c4 l-98 project with the doug nash 4+3. It used to crank up fine but would run a little rough till it got to operating temp. The other day I went to crank it and it lost all power to dash, stereo, ect. If I dissconect the battery and reconnect it i get power again dash lights up stereo works, but the second you turn the ignition to start all power cuts before the starter even engages. What I have done already is checked all fuses in the passenger side door fuse box. I also replaced the battery since the old one was pretty much junk anyway. Battery terminals are also good.

Open to all sugestions I suspect that either the battery cables need to be replaced since good contact isn't being made on the ground. Or that I blew out some type of fuse or relay located under the dash which I'm unable to locate. Open to all suggestions as to what this could be Thank you in advance
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 03:15 PM
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Sounds like a poor connection at a battery terminal.
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 04:31 PM
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 04:37 PM
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Take the battery cable off at the starter and clean both ends with a scotchbrite pad. Same with the ground cable.
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 08:12 PM
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Default Issue resolved

So I took a much closer look at the terminals I knew they weren't corroded and they appeared to be making contact, however the screw that holds the negative terminal to the battery was slightly stripped and even though it held the cable on quite tightly It wasn't as solid as it should have been. A drive to the auto parts store and a $2.33 screw later and I have my corvette working again. Thanks a lot guys for having me go back and double check the simple stuff.
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