Starter problem w/ new engine

[88hbfirstbuild]

i have all my wiring hooked up now and the only problem remaining is that my car won't start. When i try to turn the key i hear the starter click once and power in my car turns off. I took the starter out and tried again. the starter looks like it should be working, the gear at the end pops out and spins. Any one had this problem?

[VetteOwner]

your battery good?

[markweatherill]

Is it a rebuilt engine that's going to be 'tight' and hard to turn over at first? Will it turn with the spark plugs out, or by hand?

[GasSavers_Erik]

Does the power come back on when you release the key? It could be a bad battery cable or poor connection with the battery terminal.

[VetteOwner]

yea thats what im thinking too, side mount batteries are notorious for doing that

take em off, clean em up good and retighten see what happens.

also are the starter connections nice and tight?

[88hbfirstbuild]

Alright so i got that engine to turn over. i turned the engine alot by hand and then i put the start on and it's been working (turning over) since.

Unfortunately now that it turns over it still have a problem with idling. It turns over, starts and then dies. I found then when i clean the IACV that it runns for a few seconds longer which is hope full. Any one have an idea on what else could cause the problem? maybe tuning the engine or something?

thanks, you've all been a great help

[theholycow]

What are you cleaning the IACV with? Could it be not getting fuel, but then it's running on the fumes of whatever you used on the IACV?

[GasSavers_Erik]

Try advancing the ignition timing a little.

[88hbfirstbuild]

i'm cleaning the IACV with carburetor cleaner.

[VetteOwner]

hmm when u do get it to spudder to life keep your foot on the gas, could be your IAC valve, TPS sensor, knock sensor even.