'86 Camaro randomly not starting

DEMERUS

MEMBER
1986 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Hi, I bought an old 86 camaro last week, and after some minor repairs (battery replace and plug wires replace) I had her going and going well on the road yesterday, except later in the day (when I was out of town of course) I parked at a gas station to pick up some oil (its a bit low). I went back to the car and turned the ignition. And nothing. All the lights come on and I can hear the fuel pump going, but not a sound from the starter. Dosent even try to turn over. Perplexed by this, I opened the hood and couldent see anything, but then again I dont really know much about cars at this point. My brother, relying on the "kick the television set" mentality of repairs, just pushed up and down on the car a few times. And then it started no problem. This happened twice yesterday. This morning I couldent get it to start at all, same situation. Logicly im thinking it would probably be some sort of loose connection there, but since I dont know a helluva lot about the car yet, I decided that I would ask you guys :) Thanks in advance.

Oh, 2.8 v6 w/177,000 km on it.

2 Replies

BACKYARDMECHANIC

MECHANIC
337 POSTS

Check the battery cables and make sure they are tight and clean. Also make sure the ground (-)cable is connected proplery to the engine block and body ground. Just trace the negetive cable to where it goes and you will find where it is connected. If the above is found good then the next thing is to check the connection at the starter. This will be a little harder to do. It will require getting under the car and tracing the postive cable to the starter. You will require car ramps and/or a lift to get under the car. Remember as a general rule of safety, never get under the vehicle while it is on a jack.