Befuddled

[askgeorge]

I have a 72 Z that I bought new from PaceSetter in Rochester. It has 242,000 on it. About a year ago I overheated it and it started blowing blue smoke. I figured I had melted the valve seals so over some time I got a rebuilt head and replaced it. Got it funning and it still blew smoke so I figured it need the bottom looked after. had arranged to take it to a place for the rebuild but now I can't get it started.

Everything seems to be normal up to the started motor starting.

So, I have:

Charged/checked the battery OK

I have taken the started motor to Kragens for testing OK

I have replaced the starter switch (not the key part) OK

I have replaced the coil OK

I have changed the ballast resistor

I have checked the starter relay.

So, when I try to start it, when I turn the key in the Acc. position all is ON and the radio comes one. When I turn to ON, the starter relay clicks.

When I turn to start the relay clicks again but nothing happens.

It is an automatic so I have also tested that switch too OK.

The coil wire to the distributor is intact.

I am at a loss. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Oiluj]

Try cleaning the battery terminals and checking the starter cable / ground connections. You can have a good enough connection to run low wattage items, but not turn the starter.

[hogie]

Are you getting power to the starter solenoid when you try to crank it over?