starter solenoid?

[gregfull]

Here recently my sons 68 wont start, all we get is the familiar click of the solenoid. You can jump the truck or start it with a battery charger and it rolls right over and starts. The battery voltage standing alone is 13.1. The voltage output while running is 14.5. We are running an alternator with an internal voltage reg. We haven't changed any wiring or added any electrical device. Could the battery (Optima Yellow Top) have enough voltage but not enough cranking amps to turn the high torque starter?

Any help would be appreciated.

[fixit-p]

More likly poor connections at the battery. Pull cables and clean both the batt posts and the clamps

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Sounds like the selinoid is weak. Check all the connections, the purple wire on the back of the ign. switch & the neutral switch if its an auto. trans.

[stellar]

single click--Bad connection at battery
rapid clicking-- weak or bad battery

[Longhorn Man]

could be a bum battery
poor connections
bad starter
The prruple wire and it's connections are fine, the starter is getting the start signal from the switch, otherwise there would be no click.
I would start with connections, then maybe swap in a battery from another car. If still not working, I'd check the starter out. There's usually a strap or cable going from the post to the starter motor, make sure it is tight too.

[gregfull]

Thanks for all the reply's. It was the post mount cables, the negative cable clamp had a large crack in it. We converted to side mount cables and the problem is solved. Thanks for the help!