My 64 Chevelle 283/t350 has been sitting all winter and started from time to time. I went to start it the other day and it cranked a few turns and then nothing. The battery is fully charged, I have a new positive battery cable to the starter already installed. The old one looked bad so I replaced it. The car has headers that were installed about 6 months ago, and the car hasn't been run very much. Could the starter have gone bad that quick due to header heat? Is there a good way to test the starter, and to verify that I have good voltage to it? Any ideas? Thanks.

mbu65ss, this sounds exactly like a battery cable-to-battery corrosion problem. Even though the cables seem tight and the cables are new, remove them and thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the battery posts then re-tighten thoroughly. Might surprise you that it is something as simple as this.

Good luck,

Louie Hammel

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mbu65ss:
My 64 Chevelle 283/t350 has been sitting all winter and started from time to time. I went to start it the other day and it cranked a few turns and then nothing. The battery is fully charged, I have a new positive battery cable to the starter already installed. The old one looked bad so I replaced it. The car has headers that were installed about 6 months ago, and the car hasn't been run very much. Could the starter have gone bad that quick due to header heat? Is there a good way to test the starter, and to verify that I have good voltage to it? Any ideas? Thanks.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Cleaning has already been done. I do have headlights, wipers etc. etc., and the cables are tight. It just will not crank, when you turn the key.

You could still have lights, etc, but not enough go juice for the starter. Cleaning the terminals is one part, the other is to make certain your ground straps are solid. I would check those first.

Did you re-check your new cable at the starter?

If it was header heat, which is not likely, the starter would work again once cooled down.

I'm assuming you don't get a click or anything when you turn the key? Don't recommend this often, but try rapping on the starter once or twice with the end of a bat or a 2x4 - if the solenoid is stuck, that might free it up. Header heat will do that sometimes, but it could also be stuck for other reasons.

You may have arked the starter of the header with the cable. Check the cable to see if it isn't rubbing on the header.

------------------
Trever Maas
1972 Chevelle Malibu
Mohave Gold
L65 350/M38 TH350
2.73 AXL RATIO
Undergoing Resotoration

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Xtreme70SS396:
You could still have lights, etc, but not enough go juice for the starter. Cleaning the terminals is one part, the other is to make certain your ground straps are solid. I would check those first.

Did you re-check your new cable at the starter? You were right about no click, it orig. tried to start (cranked 2 or 3 times) then nothing. Thats how it is right now- I will check the ground straps though. Is there a good way to check if the starter is good or if voltage exists at the starter with it installed? How much voltage is required at the starter?

If it was header heat, which is not likely, the starter would work again once cooled down.

I'm assuming you don't get a click or anything when you turn the key? Don't recommend this often, but try rapping on the starter once or twice with the end of a bat or a 2x4 - if the solenoid is stuck, that might free it up. Header heat will do that sometimes, but it could also be stuck for other reasons.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are right about not even getting a click. It at first cranked 2 or 3 times and then nothing. Thats how it sits today. Is there a good way to test the starter or verify that it has the correct voltage getting to it while it's installed in the car. How many volts are enough? I will check the ground straps like suggested though! Thanks

Check your neutral safety switch--move shifter back and forth.