84 el camino

[Megajit]

Hello, so i bought an 84 elcamino with the 305. Sadly i cant get the car to hold a charge. I can get it started only buy jumpstarting. After jumping it and waiting 10 minutes or driving around town thinking im charging the battery back up. I finally turn it off and try and fire it back up and get literally nothing. I have power lights and gauges work but the engine doesnt crank. Hook it back up and she fires up. Ive installed all new battery, alternator and starter. Including all the wires connecting them. Still no luck. Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
Ps. Im 22 and self tought so clearly im no master mechanic but i do know what im doing

 

[airboatgreg]

Remove battery cables negative one first at the battery and check for corrosion. Take battery to local parts store and ask them to check the battery. When you re-install cables but positive on first. Let us know then.

 

[Michael Watts]

I have had this issue myself. If you have power seats ,I would check under the drivers seats for a short .That was my issue and may be yours .Good luck to you.

 

[Megajit]

Remove battery cables negative one first at the battery and check for corrosion. Take battery to local parts store and ask them to check the battery. When you re-install cables but positive on first. Let us know then.

Its a brand new battery. I tested the old battery and it came back fine. So i bought the new one hoping that would do it. There is no corrosion all cables are brand new. There is no loose connection.

 

[Megajit]

I have had this issue myself. If you have power seats ,I would check under the drivers seats for a short .That was my issue and may be yours .Good luck to you.

I dont

 

[airboatgreg]

Check engine ground to battery

 

[Megajit]

Check engine ground to battery

I replaced that as well

 

[airboatgreg]

So it know comes down to using a volt meter while trying to crank it. You have to check static voltage as a start. Ground paths and under load. So crank it up and come on over. I am just sitting out a cat 4 hurricane today🙂

 

[Megajit]

So it know comes down to using a volt meter while trying to crank it. You have to check static voltage as a start. Ground paths and under load. So crank it up and come on over. I am just sitting out a cat 4 hurricane today🙂

Alright i will try that after work and I'll get back to you. Thanks

 

[TURNA]

Jiggle the wires when it wont start.

If it starts or if you hear the starter cut on and off there is your problem.

OR

You left a wire off somewhere when you changed everything.

Did it have this problem before you changed everything?


Also like Airboat said get a volt meter Harbor Freight has a coupon for a free one that works great.