Dead car

[Jimmy Van Hoose]

Have a 74 Satellite that was in storage this winter. Ran perfect when parked. Trying to start it and nothing. No clicking or anything. Battery is good. Ive checked every square inch for a broke or chewed thru wire and tapped the starter with a hammer and still nothing. All the lights are working fine. Whats my next step? Thanks.

 

[69roadr]

I know you say the battery is good but was the battery disconnected while in storage?
Terminals clean? do the lights work?

 

[coronet68mx]

Maybe the starter is stuck, hit it a little and see if that work

 

[65wgn440]

I would absolutely verify that you have at least 12 volts present at battery terminal and relay terminal of starter during key cranking position, before looking elsewhere.

 

[Don Frelier]

Starter relay or neutral safety switch.

 

[Dako]

Clean terminals at battery? If they are old replacement cable ends at the battery (clamps on cable ends), they could have less than optimal connections (unseen oxidation). Otherwise, likely just a bad starter (they can go without warning). Turn key to on and CAREFULLY touch a screw driver across terminals at starter. If it cranks, I would assume it's the built-in starter relay. If so, perfect time to upgrade to a mid 90s V8 Dodge mini starter...think Ram, V8 Dakota, Magnum, 300, etc. Lighter and very durable. Typically cheaper too. Good luck!

 

[Jimmy Van Hoose]

Clean terminals at battery? If they are old replacement cable ends at the battery (clamps on cable ends), they could have less than optimal connections (unseen oxidation). Otherwise, likely just a bad starter (they can go without warning). Turn key to on and CAREFULLY touch a screw driver across terminals at starter. If it cranks, I would assume it's the built-in starter relay. If so, perfect time to upgrade to a mid 90s V8 Dodge mini starter...think Ram, V8 Dakota, Magnum, 300, etc. Lighter and very durable. Typically cheaper too. Good luck!

Beat on the starter some more and got it to start. Looks like bad starter is the culprit. Also looks like its going to be a pain to change with headers. So best starter to replace it with? I have a reman starter thats been in a box since 07 so dont know if that worth the hassle even putting on. What all mini starters will work and fit on it? Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[Johnpat]

Hook 12 volts to it &see if it works.
If so change it

 

[Dako]

The V8 Magnum starters are all basically the same...with connections on the front end, that can vary slightly. They are much shorter in length and smaller in diameter than what you have now. You may be able to pull up photos on AutoZone website, or your local chain to see what ends look best Your local parts store may even have multiple in stock so you can compare characteristics in person. My local store actually ordered three and let me choose one and sent the other two back. Sorry, but am not sure which I have on my Poly 318.

 

[kiwigtx]

Beat on the starter some more and got it to start.

I love it when people get all refined and take care.

 

[Jimmy Van Hoose]

I love it when people get all refined and take care.

Well in my defense it was more tapping than beating lol.

 

[Jimmy Van Hoose]

Used a screwdriver across the starter relay and got it to start so maybe not starter?

 

[Shorthorse]

Used a screwdriver across the starter relay and got it to start so maybe not starter?

Probably not the starter.
There is a yellow wire on the starter relay. It receives +12v when the key is in the start position. The path for the yellow wire is, from the starter relay it goes to the middle bulkhead terminal. Inside the car it goes from the bulkhead terminal to the ignition switch connector/ignition switch.
Given the track record of bulkhead terminals, I'd check there first. If you can get someone inside the car, have them turn the key to "start" and check for voltage on the yellow lead with a test light or volt/ohm meter.