74 charger won't start?.

[robw13]

Hi,

I've got a 74 charger se and am trying to get it to fire after 20yrs. I changed the starter and got a newer battery that hold 12vs but when the key is turned (P or N), nothin. Lights work but go dim when turned. Any suggestions? Much appreciated.

 

[WP29440SE]

bad connection somewhere. check and clean all your GROUND connections, and all other battery related connections. you really want to make sure you have good gas going in the carb and that you are getting fuel. a "newer" battery doesn't necessarily mean its "good" or has a full charge

good luck

 

[robw13]

K, thanks. would it have these symptoms with a dead fuel pump?

 

[WP29440SE]

K, thanks. would it have these symptoms with a dead fuel pump?

no , you just wont be getting any gas to the carb. if its turning over fine but not firing, that's a different set of issues.

 

[robw13]

K, if the battery is weak under load, woukd that be enough to keep it from doin anything?

 

[Montclaire]

Don't forget 74 had the seat belt interlock or whatever, car won't start unless your hind end is in the seat.

 

[73Satty]

Turn the key and hit the solenoid with a screwdriver under the hood. It should turn over. Also check the neutral safety switch on the trans.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Don't forget 74 had the seat belt interlock or whatever, car won't start unless your hind end is in the seat.

:icon_thumright:

 

[robw13]

K thanks again, def will check it out.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

The way I am reading this is that the motor isn't even turning over? Is that correct?
If that's the case, did you check that the motor isn't stuck? You mentioned it has sat for 20 years.

Need more info I think

 

[robw13]

I got the engine to turn some, hard to get at the crank bolt from above. The fan rotates freely though.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

I got the engine to turn some, hard to get at the crank bolt from above. The fan rotates freely though.

I hear ya

Does it make any sound at all. I have a cable issue where I will get only a tick sound. I will have to address mine this spring. If it ever stops snowing.

 

[robw13]

I think I hear a click when turning the key but I think inside the car not in the engine bay.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

Have checked the starter relay?
Could jump that.

 

[robw13]

Not real electrical incline, how u jump the relay? The starter solenoid is with the starter too

 

[EccentricMagpies]

Should be on the back part of the firewall. I don't have a photo handy.
Small square box on the firewall. You can jump by crossing a screw driver across the nuts

- - - Updated - - -

It would probably help if you posted this under the electrical section too

 

[Montclaire]

Give the starter a little tap with a mallet. If that doesn't work then jump the connection at the starter relay. That should get it to crank. If it doesn't then you aren't connected somewhere or the starter is bad. Once it cranks if it doesn't catch then either you are missing fuel or spark.

 

[robw13]

K thanks, hopin yhe starter is good, just got it the other day.

 

[robw13]

Tried the relay and hear the starter turn but no crank.

 

[EccentricMagpies]

You can hear the starter turn but it's not turning over the motor?
That seems odd