Topic: Need some help with a Dodge Van

[formasfunction]

I figure you guys drive more than just motorcycles so I thought I'd throw this out and see if any ideas come up. I have a 1991 Dodge 350 v-8 15 passenger van that I decided to tune up before my band takes it out on the road next month. I just replaced the spark plugs, put in a new air filter and a new fuel filter about an hour ago and when I went to turn her over all I got was a loud clicking sound - no engine movement. Could I have done something wrong with the spark plugs? I was careful to only replace one at a time so that there'd be no confusion about the order of the wires and the distributor cap and wires are all pretty new.  Thanks in advance.

[mark]

Filters and plugs shouldn't cause that. Check the battery/connections. My 2¢. Good luck.

[formasfunction]

I think you might be right and my money is on a dead battery. I have it charging at the moment and I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

[bill440cars]

I think you might be right and my money is on a dead battery. I have it charging at the moment and I suppose we'll find out soon enough.

         Might better check your battery cables too. Sometimes, they can get pretty corroded just about a couple of inches from the end (at the battery) & under the insulation (so you can't really see it). Mix up a solution of good old baking soda and water so that you can soak the end of the cables in it. Do you have cables with the original type ends or ro you have those ends on there that you clamp on the cables? If you have the removable ends, check under the insulation. If the cables aren't making a good connection, the alternator can't charge the battery and it WILL go down.    Been there, done that!

                                  Take care, Bill

[sparty]

Also check your coil wire.  It may be loose.

[seaweb11]

  and if all that doesn't work, hit the starter with a hammer

[333]

Then sell it and get a Chevy.

[chrislib]

Then sell it and get a Chevy.

balsphemer

[keiths]

If the lights are strong when you turn the key, then its your starter.

[bill440cars]

       I sure hope you check those battery cables because, this is what happened to me once. See if it's not pretty close to your situation:

      I was driving from Barling Arkansas to Little Rock one Friday in my 69' Plymouth road runner and stopped to top off the gas tank about 1/2 way down to L.R. When I got back in the car to start it, all I got was a "CLICK" and that was it! I turned on the dome light and then tried again to start it. The dome light didn't even flicker! I got out and was checking the battery cables and found that I had about an inch to an inch and a half of the cable was green with corrosion (under the insulation). I borrowed tools from the mechanic at the gas station (back when there were still some gas stations), cut the corroded end off of the cable, put one of those replacement clamps on, started it up and was gone again. End of story. And THAT'S why I really wish you'd check those cables real good. It could be your starter solenoid, but I'd check those battery cables first. BTW, if your battery IS dead, I'd put a good charge on it and test it to see if it will hold a charge (if it won't, you've got, at least one bad cell). I'd hate so see you put out money for parts and not need them, you know?    

[mattcb350f]

It could be your starter solenoid, but I'd check those battery cables first.

The clicking is the key activating the solenoid, closing the circuit to engage the starter. but theres no juice getting there  You're on the right track checking to make sure the battery's good. Check the cable like Bill says too. Could be a bad solenoid.

Work through it one at a time and you'll find it.

 Matt.