I have a 78 f150 i have been having issues with the truck not starting, just clicking once, per key turn. I replaced the alternator, battery, solenoid and voltage regulator. The only thing left is the starter itself but i don't think it's the problem since it will start sometimes or if i put my jump pack on it. I'm at my wits end with this thing.

All last summer it was hit or miss with this thing starting or not. Any help would be great..

 

Did you replace your battery cables? It's possible they're completely rotted out and green inside.

 

they are brand new... Is it possible to have these problems if the timing is slightly off?

 

the alternator and voltage regulator aren't really in play here, and i don't think the timing just being 'slightly' off would matter, either.

and you've replaced everything else...except maybe the ignition switch.

try jumping it with a screwdriver (or better yet, a remote starter). if that works consistently, make sure you're getting 12v at the S terminal of the starter relay with the key in 'start'.

if that's not the issue...pull out your voltmeter and start tracing the voltage from the battery down to the starter- see where it stops (or drops off significantly).

if all that fails to resolve it...you're probably down to the starter itself.

 

I agree with rustywheel above....

Measure the voltage at the following places:

+ battery terminal

+ battery cable at the battery

Where that cable attaches to the solenoid.

The above should be all VERY close to each other.

Have someone turn the key to START while you measure at:

The other side of the solenoid.

Where the thick cable attaches to the starter motor.

If you're getting full (or very close to it) battery voltage at the starter, the problem could be a bad ground (at the starter or the battery <-> engine connection), the starter itself, or the engine isn't capable of turning.

 

Is there a ground terminal for the starter? I only have one terminal for the starter and it's the positive lead. If there is supposed to be a ground wire where does it attach to the starter?

 

no ground terminal on the starter- it gets its ground through the engine block. just make sure your ground cable from the battery to the block is good.