Here's a copy of my reply to that thread (posted there so it'd be in context), but here it is - sorry so long, just trying to answer questions ahead of time:
My truck's a '68 D100 w/ a 318 LA and 727 tranny... Has Mallory electronic ignition upgrade installed; she's been my daily driver for over three (four?) years now, she is one of the loves of my life and I am in need of help please!
Wondering if the solution was ever discovered in this ("starting issues - from 2009 I think) thread? I'm having the same problem, - a big click when I turn the key to "start", and that's it... The click is coming from the starter (or the starter solenoid attached to it - haven't been able to get another set of hands to turn the key for me with me under the truck to determine whether the click is the starter or the solenoid that's piggy-backed to the starter). When I jump the contacts with a screwdriver on the starter relay (bolted to the left wheel well), I get the same click as if I were turning the key to "start," just no turning of the starter, and thus no turning over of the engine... As the originator of this thread shared with his problem - it's a good, solid click, seems like something strong is moving - perhaps (?) as if the starter begins to turn and doesn't have enough oomph to turn the engine over (the teeth are meeting and stopping?)...
I had the starter bench tested, and it tested Good. It's a remanufactured Mopar starter I got and installed from NAPA about a year ago... has a 3-year warranty (not that that necessarily means anything, I know)...
I replaced the starter relay for the hell of it today (since it's only $16) - no change - still the same problem - no start, only click...
The battery is good, bench tested it with load - Good. And it's charged (just over 12v when I put my multitester on it). Also double-checked this by trying to jump-start from another vehicle's battery (while the vehicle was running), and the same click occurs - no start.
I've cleaned and ensured good contact on all battery terminal connections, starter connections, starter relay connections. The neutral safety switch prong on the relay is well-grounded - to the transmission. The other prong, which is an orange wire and I believe goes through the firewall and to the ignition switch is making good connection - guessing the ignition switch is not the problem since I get the same click when I jump the contacts with a screwdriver on the starter relay as when I turn the key...
She was starting as normal one day, but the next - just a click upon turning the key, and that way every since. One single click for every time I turn the key to "start." Haven't tried 15-20 times in a row as did the originator of this thread - I'll try that in a few minutes, will update. (*update*: tried 25-30 times in a row, no dice, just sucking juice from the battery with each try).
Stumped. If anyone's still reading this thread, any suggestions will be very much appreciated! This problem is over my head so far... Searching the forums for hours, can't figure it out and this is the first post to match my problem...
-Jared
