starting problem

[Raf]

i have a 1990 chapparal with the 4.3 in it. on saturday when i turned the key the gauges all got power and the battery reads good but it does nothing when i try starting it. i had to cross the bolts on the starter silonoid in order to start it. do you guys think this is a problem with the ignition itself? or possibly the silonoid? i do not know much about this motor so any help will be appreciated, thanks

[waterfoul]

Sounds like the solenoid to me. Did it at least "click" when you turned the key?

[Take Five]

Dont overlook checking the nuetral switch on the controls. Mine acts up once in awhile. Keep the key in the start position and move the control a little.

Wayne

[roger23]

Dont overlook checking the neutral switch on the controls. Mine acts up once in awhile. Keep the key in the start position and move the control a little.

Wayne

I think between the two you have the answer the micro switch gets loose or broken after years of use normal wear & tear .solenoids also get burnt spots on contacts and have to be replaced I think I would start at the neutral switch and work from there unless you have a indication as mention below that it is clicking then you would be pretty sure it is the solenoid

[wally-eye]

Before changing anything try cleaning both your battery posts real good. This is a common problem.

[waterfoul]

Before changing anything try cleaning both your battery posts real good. This is a common problem.

This is also good advice.

[FishTales]

Before changing anything try cleaning both your battery posts real good. This is a common problem.
Try cleaning the post on the starter and this end of cable too.
This has been a problem for me in the past.
Rich

[Raf]

thanks a lot for the advice. i never thought of the nuetral switch, ill start with that since it makes no clicking or noise at all. the battery terminals i cleaned four differant times when i was on the lake so i dont think thats it. thanks again

[TONGA]

Start by checking for juice at the small exciter wire at the solenoid when you turn the key. If you are getting no juice then you know the problem is forward of the motor, you know exciter wire itself,safety switch ,and don't over look the key-switch itself.
And always remember the golden rule,,no circuit works with a poor ground.