Starting issue, Click and no start -intermittent Options

[North Coast Jim]

Car has been back together now for 10 months. In heated storage all this past winter. I've put approx. 1K miles on it in that time with zero issues.

Since back on the road this Spring I've put 400 miles on it along with a trip to Mid-Ohio for the IMSA race. In that time I've had 2 instances of a no start. Turning the key produces a click in the area of the starter and the GEN and OIL pressure lights dim dramatically. Waiting and continued trying will produce a normal start. On the second no start I did cycle the headlights. All components are NEW. Ignition switch, Bosch type, Starter, along with the Bowlsly supplied GEN/Start cable. New starter positive cable along with an Optima red top battery. After start the car runs fine and the Gen produces normal voltage output (by gauge not actually measured). As for it being a hot start issue the first instance was after a 35 mile run when I stopped for gas. The second instance was after a 15 mile run but the car sat for over an hour. Outside air temp was 65 degrees. So I think we can rule that out.

Fuel pump has been relocated to under the front gravel pan. Car is Weber carb'd now. New rebuilt engine 2.

This morning I did climb under the car and all connections are tight. The starter positive cable, the red wire and the yellow wire. No corrosion - there new.

Any ideas where to start ??

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[GeorgeRud]

I’d agree with Mark to install a Ford starter solenoid and also clean terminals and use dielectric grease to waterproof the connections.

[Rand]

I’d agree with Mark to install a Ford starter solenoid and also clean terminals and use dielectric grease to waterproof the connections.

I just hate to see people applying band aids before taking care of what's already there. Clean the terminals/grounds first. It's free, will give you peace of mind, and may be the answer. The Ford solenoid is a nice option that takes load off the starter switch, but it's not the first thing to do. Fix what is wrong first. Remember, the starter solenoid IS a solenoid. Your starter circuit only engages the bendix, it doesn't crank the starter. The starter gets its power directly from the big cable that's already there direct to the battery.