Weird thing.......

[hippie_elmo]

I drove my 1974 280 to the local auto parts store to pick something up. It started up at my house just fine. When I went to leave the parts store I put in my key and it woldn't start, all I heard was a clicking sound coming from the front passanger's side. I tried the lights they worked. I pushed the gas pebal. Then waited a little. Then turned the key a couple of times and it started. I tired this agin at my house after waiting a few minutes something. I tried starting it agin after a few minutes with a differnet key and it started right up. I think it was a problem with the key? Anything I should check?

[skalie]

Had that before, intermittently, I think it's the bobine thing on the start motor, the solenoid dingy or someit.

In shade tree terms that was, keen to hear a real mechanics prognosis.

[Aaron]

Your ignition resistor (on your car either one .9 ohm or maybe two .4 or .6 ohm). It's a white ceramic rectangular piece, connected to the ignition coil. Connections at each end of the resistor. If the ceramic body is cracked, it will cause an intermittent no-start symptom and will eventually lead to complete failure to start. Check this first! They're not expensive and are a cinch to replace.

[ctaylor738]

Did the starter turn over?

If it didn't, check the battery connections, and the starter connections on the passenger's side on the frame.

Also be sure that the ground from the starter to the frame is in good condition, clean, and tight.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

If all the cable connections are OK, intermittent 'clicking but no spinning' is a common symptom of a starter on its way out.

Happy Motoring,
Mark

This happened to my car for six months. Every once in a while it would not start. When I turned the key nothing but a click. But It would always start after a while. Until the morning before my wifes grandmothers funeral. We were ready to go and the car would not start. We were late and my wile was pissed. I replaced the starter four times before finding one that was worth keeping. I have not had a problem for a year now. I hope it keeps starting.