Starter Clicking!

[VA91Z28]

Okay, I bought a 91 Z28 about a year or so ago and when I bought it had a "solenoid click" (at least that is what it sounds like). Well, the seller said he replaced the starter. After I got tired of bumping the ignition lock cylinder I said screw it and replaced the starter... I could tell the old one was in fact new, but the new one didn't fix it, in fact, it click at the first time to start. So, I then changed the lock cylinder... and obviously the key to match the Pass Key Code Module. Also, the battery was moved to the back prior to me buying it, but it is a high output Optima battery, but the wiring to the engine bay was half-assed so I tried doctoring that up. Well, here I sit, it stills clicks sometimes once, twice, ten times, and sometimes none. I'm tired of it and I look like a complete jackass when I sit there trying to start that thing. So, any ideas, or past experiences... maybe both starters suck? I don't know, try to help... Thanks

[VA91Z28]

also the sound almost sounds like the gear is hitting the flexplate... yet that is kind of what a solenoid click is like anyhow...

[Tony]

I'm going to say that it's the switch its self. The Key Cyl and the switch are two different things. The switch it on top of the column under the dash. It's either that or you have a wire that has way too much resistance. And, I'm talking about the starter wire and not the big battery cable. But, I would do the switch first.

[Tony]

Oh, and

[01Z]

Have you checked the power at the solenoid terminal with a volt meter? From your description of the wiring and the fact the battery is in the hatch, I would be wondering how much current you have to the starter.

[iroc287]

yes ...really sounds like it maybe the Solenoid itself (if it wasn't exchanged with new Starter) or as suggested previously, not enough power to it ...check for insufficent Battery Pos-wire size, loose connections, poor grounds.

[Tony]

I over looked the battery being in the rear of the car. You need at least 1 if not 1/0 wire running to the battery. And the solenoid, if not replaced, could be the problem. I assumed that it was new with the starter though.

[Greg Norris]

check the amt of power actually getting to the starter/solenoid. i had a similar problem only it would click then nothing, turned out to be my negative batt cable wasnt tightened down properly.

[VA91Z28]

Thanks for the help... I did think of the lot of those, like I am planning on checking resistance and voltage, but do you know how much I am supposed to have or not have?? yes, the solenoid is new too... I wish the dude that I bought the car from would have paid attention to when this problem started cuz that would help a hell of alot. But, i am thinking about putting the battery back in the front when I do the motor swap cuz he only put it in the back for the cold air intake he put on which is cool, but I have a cowl hood and i am trying to design an induction sysetm through the cowl and that will eliminate the cold air set-up now, allowing room for the battery, and hopefully solve this annoying friggin problem. But, I might try to claim this starter "defective" if it is still under warranty so I can try and rule out the starter once more, cuz it is possible that i got yet another bad starter. Thank you though guys.

[VA91Z28]

I just checked out some other posts to return your favors and saw yours Greg and it caught my attention to the end... Sorry to hear about your loss bud! Or..... have you got her back and runnin again?!

[Greg Norris]

no, not yet. im heading to class here in a bit, then to base to work out some money issues then getting my 78 to drive for a while.