1971 F-250 wont start only clicks?

[codster68]

Hello, I have a 1971 F-250 with a 360 and 4 speed. I just got done replacing/upgrading to an Accel electronic conversion and replaced the cap, wires, plugs, coil, starter relay, battery and cables, and new oil and filter. The problem after I buttoned all the odds and ends up last night it wouldn't turn over only clicks. I will replace the voltage regulator tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone can tell me if there is anything else to look for while Im there thank you

[basketcase0302]

Hard as it is to believe, I'd re-visit the starter relay (solenoid). Make sure it's grounded to the inner fender well or it won't work, and them maybe try the old solenoid you took off.
Do you have a voltage meter or tester to use? If so, check the power coming out of the solenoid going to the starter. Also check to make sure that the starter itself is grounded well, and look closely at the battery cable going to the starter.
Hope this helps.

[QC]

99% of the time if it just clicks your battery is too low or you have a bad connection at the battery.The battery needs to be above 12.5 volts. It takes 10.5 volts to pull down the plunger under that bump on the starter and close the contacts. There are 4 connections between the starter and the battery. If you loose .5 volts at each connection the battery needs to be above 12.5 volts to make the starter turn.
You probably don't loose that much at each connection, but any bad connections add up.

[1982 flareside]

bad connection

[oldschoolrods]

if you have a meter that will do min/max check and see what your voltage drops down to when you try and start it, anything under 9 charge/replace battery, if that checks ok check for a voltage drop across your positive cable, you shouldnt get any. Also make sure you have a good ground on the negative side too.

Good luck

pat

[codster68]

Figured out the starter connection spun on the inside when I was replacing the relay to starter cable ! It turns over now, but is there a trick on getting to TDC to get every thing to fire right? Because right now when I turn it over it backfires out the carb and I was possitive I was right on but I wasnt . By the way Thanks guys.

[FreakysFords]

Easiest way for me is to get a friend to help, by turning the crank, pull the plugs (at least cyl #1 plug). Put a finger over #1 spark plug hole and have friend turn crank. When you start to feel good pressure trying to push your finger off of the spark plug hole, turn the crank on around until the timing pointer at the damper is at TDC (I actually don't bother with this part, I just hold till the pressure no longer builds, drop a drinking straw into the spark plug hole and turn till it reaches that point in the turn that it reaches it's highest point. This is TDC. Then I check this against my damper to ensure the damper's mark is correct and that the damper hasn't spun).