1981 Regal, No start/crank

[tbalonick]

I have an '81 regal, the 3.8L V6. I just recently rebuilt the carb, forgot to adjust the float when I put it back together so it was just flooding and the car wouldn't start, didn't realize this until after so I just kept cranking it, probably more than I should have. Kept cranking, and then let off, went to crank again and nothing. No click or anything. Its not the battery because the lights dont dim and it doesnt click at all. I haven't started testing to see what it is yet, although I have a feeling I fried my starter and/or starter solenoid. Anyway to get to my main question, I wanted to start easy and was just wondering if someone had a diagram of the fuse block so I could see which one the starter fuse is without just pulling all of them one by one? Thanks.

[GTP Dad]

There are several possible issues here. First, check and replace the wire from the battery to the starter. It is possible that it has been damaged due to over cranking. Next do the same for the ground wire. If these don't help then I would pull the starter and solenoid and replace the solenoid first unless you smell burnt starter. If it is burnt then you will need to replace the starter. No clicking usually indicates no voltage to the starter or the solenoid is not engaging the starter.

[tbalonick]

First off, thank you for the response. But I was already aware that the starter was most likely not getting power to it, thats why my main question was asking about the fuse location. Before I go testing for connection Id like to rule out the easiest possible solution, mainly because this stater is way down and buried and I'm dreading having to crawl under the car on hot asphalt. (110 degrees in Arizona right now...)

[GTP Dad]

I don't blame you for not wanting to get under the car in 110 degree weather but the best way to see what is going on is to get to the starter and check it out. The best way to see if it is the starter would be to jumper across the contacts on the solenoid and see what happens. If it engages then the problem is electrical if not then the issues lie in the electrical wiring or the ignition switch circuit. Good Luck!

[tbalonick]

Well instead of waiting to find the fuse I just went ahead and took a look. Turns out it was getting power to the solenoid from the battery, but i didnt even bother testing the starter because it was completely caked in oil and grease. One of the worst ive seen. So if it wasnt bad yet its going to be. Gonna take it into Autozone and have them bench test it. But ill be getting a new one and some new battery cables and ill let ya know if that fixes it.

[tbalonick]

Well new starter is in, car runs. The old one had almost no power at all, and was filled with oil. Case closed oh and in other notes, when I reattached the new starter the battery + wire was in contact with a metal heat shield and it lit on fire, i think just to add a little excitement to my day

[GTP Dad]

Thanks for letting us know what the issue was. I am glad your car is up and running again.