C2 Won't crank

[Craig C.]

1966 small block: To prepare for flight judging, I replaced my battery and ballast resistor with the correct types, then had electrical flow but no crank when starting. I put the old ballast resistor back on and it cranked for a moment, then nothing. Any ideas on what happened, tips regarding ballast resistors, does the ballast resistor affect starter cranking? Thanks, Craig

[John H.]

Re: C2 Won't crank

Craig -

There is no connection between the ballast resistor and failure to crank. Is the battery fully charged? Terminal connections clean and shiny? Old cables?

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Won't crank

I assume that when you say it "won't crank" that the starter motor doesn't turn. (Some folks say it "won't crank" when the engine actually will not run, but the starter does turn.)

If you ONLY replaced the battery then check the connections for cleanliness and tightness on BOTH ends of the cables. You may have disturbed something. If you have been messing with the starter solenoid then you may have a problem there.

Did you replace the battery because of failure to start with the old one???
Is the new battery fully charged????? Do the lights work???

[Noel K.]

Re: C2 Won't crank

check also to make sure you have a good connection at the starter. I ran into a similar problem - apparently while changing the battery and moving the cables around, what was already a loose cable to the battery was made worse. I even had a "reputable" mechanic try sell me a new $90 battery.

Check battery cables and the connections to the starter.

Good luck.

[Craig C.]

Re: C2 Won't crank

Thank you gentlemen for your helpful input.