I just got done putting the trans/flexplate/converter back in after replacing the flexplate, and converter bolts.... everything went in without too much trouble... just normal hang ups...

I got everything put back together earlier this afternoon and went to start it up and feel the vibration free idle... well... I put the battery back on, and it made a noise, so I looked under it, everything looked good so I try to crank it, nothing but click click... so, I grabbed the jumpbox and hooked it up, same thing....
so now I'm thinking starter... run to Advance, drop $230 on a starter, and come back. put it in except this time, I hook up the battery and the thing starts cranking!!! WTF!!!! the keys are in my pocket!!! I un-hooked it and looked around, everything looked good again... so after scratching my head and cussing up a storm and kicking the lift for a minute, I take both starters to advance and have them tested, they are both fine!!!! now I'm stumped.... I ran out of time before we had to close the shop up.

I'm thinking either its a pinched/rubbed wire going to the starter, or a bad ignition switch.... keep in mind everything worked perfectly when I pulled it on the lift... drove it up there, killed it,and started work... I'm leaving tomorrow morning to New Orleans for a conference and wont be back until Thursday... I guess I"ll get back at it Thursday afternoon... I just dont know. anyone ever experienced this???

 

been there done that with the starter...
the truck was a 2000 with AS&M headers, it was a PITA to get the starter back in and the wires turned and touched, just tape the ring terminals really well and slap it back in. We looked and looked and swore that it was not touching, but at final position it touched, so as soon as you touch the battery the motor starts spinning.

 

well its not only doing that... sometimes, when you can actually get the starter in and battery connected without it cranking, you can get in, put the key in and when you turn it on... everything flickers for a second and comes on. when you turn the key to crank it, it clicks very loudly... just like it would if the battery were dead. but louder...

-you still thinking its the same thing???
its on my '00 silvy with 5.3, 65E, and pacesetters....

 

Check that you tightened the bolts when the lead on teh ring connectors were in their slots and once you get it bolted up look at it from the front of the truck and make sure nothing is touching, Im willing to bet the insulation on one of the wires is messed up or you got some of the wires on the starter touching.

 

I would say it's very possible. I never put the starter back on with Pacesetters (Matt always does it on his truck), but do like I said, wrap with electrical tape to isolate the wires, when you are getting the clicking you may be grounding out somewhere, use safety glasses and climb under (or watch from the passenger side of the motor) and see if you see sparks... beyond that I don't know, but that's some things to try.

 

well I have a drive on lift at the shop so it should be easy enought to get someone up top to hook everything up wile I watch down below.... if its not one thing, its 30 ******* more....

Cody, I got it all put up there and looked around, nothing touching at the sarter, I guess its time to start tracing wires when I get back in town Thursday.... this **** sucks. I didnt want to leave town with the truck locked up at the shop... not running.