Ok, yesterday was frustrating. Replaced the neutral safety switch, which looked new already... Didn't work.

Replaced the starter and solenoid, all in one. They don't seem to have the solenoid for the original starter, so we decided to replace both. ToughOne Starter - Remanufactured 16561: Purchase the best Starter at Advance Auto Parts
That didn't work either.

Took the old starter to advanced auto. They tested it and it was fine. He also thought the starter we got didn't have enough torque to turn the engine over. We got the other starter from a different store and that guy said it would work. So I think I'm going to put the old one back on.

Now I'm thinking it's the batteries again. Perhaps they aren't giving enough amps? The volts are 12.5.

To recap I replaced:
- fender relay solenoid
- neutral safety switch
- stater and solenoid (then found out the starter and solenoid tested as good)
- batteries showing 12.5 volts

I should have my insurance updated with towing insurance, so I'm going to have them check out the batteries and tow it to our house.

If it's the batteries I'm thinking of getting these as replacements from Costco. Kirkland size 65 battery $92.99, 850 cold cranking amps. Sound good?

 

Check that when the key is turned to the start position that the small wire is getting voltage , this is what triggers the starter ... no voltage = no start

 

The small wire on the starter?

 

Yeah , its the trigger wire, when the ket is turned to the start position you should get, Like 12V @ that wire..

 

Replaced the batteries. Nothing. Took the batteries to the parts store and they are good. We have decided to have it towed and checked out by a professional. I guess it could be grounding out somewhere???

 

ignition issue most likley .... hope its cheep ..... best of luck ..

 

Update: it was the starter. And the fuel lines had some old O-rings that were letting in air, so I had him replace those as well. He bled the lines and we are up and running.

Next question, what do you think would be a good preventive thing to take care of? I have some window and lock issues I'm going to take care of, but I wanted to check out other areas that might fail at this stage of its life (24 years old) and take care of them now.

 

The lock issues are most likley going to be the Switches, drivers side is the master switch .. I replaced my regulators ( for power windows ) .. and the lock cylinders for the locks ..