I recently finished a rebuild on my 75 olds 455. Everytimg I started to crank it i had to jump it off. I replaced the starter and alternator and still the same problem. My battery still reads its good. I was driving from the muffler shop yesterday and she cut off in traffic. I tried to start I only got the click. I tried to jump it off but no joy. I replaced it with a new battery and still got nothing but the click. I tapped the starter and all. My lights go dim when i try to turn it over. I'm going to test the starter today. I think my alternator might need to have more amps because its only 60 amps. Any other suggestion?

 

You alternator doesn't make a difference for starting. At least if you haven't started the car before. Make sure your batter has a good charge and make sure your starter is in good shape. You can have them tested for free at your local auto parts store.

 

Troubleshooting is now in order.

Do you know how to do a voltage drop test?

That will allow you to tect the battery cables.

Are your ground straps clean and tight?

If the battery is new, it can only be: cables, solenoid, or starter.

 

ok I got the starter tested and it was good. I replaced the positive terminal wire and gave the battery a jump and she started. Thanks for the help.

 

I figured it would be a battery cable, as My442 said the voltage drop would verify that. The condition you described is either a dead battery or bad cables/connectors. Clicking is a classic indicator of that.

 

I got to check all my ground cables cause I'm still pulling juice from somewhere.

 

That is a very good idea. Let us know what you come up with.

 

And don't over look the obvious stuff. Re-check your cable connections at both the battery and starter. I had a very similar issue a while back and found the cable connection at the starter was loose. Easy fix and easy to overlook

 

Ok I'm going to retrace from the battery back.