Square

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]

Jvette73

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

77Dream

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

pws69

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

midwest-vette

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.

Square

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.

HDIronman

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:

daves80

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

Square

Daves80,
I will check the other grounds this evening. Thanks for the tip!