Ignition/ electrical issues?

[wsm]

Last weekend I had a problem with parking lights, turn signals, brake lights and tachometer. Got good advice from forum members on cleaning and tightening up connectors, etc. in the fuse box, and after doing that all (amazingly) started working again. But, at the same time that the tach, turn signals, brake lights came back on, the car decided not to start! Red light comes on when I turn the key on, and when I turn to start position, I hear the normal clicking sound, but nothing happens. The starter motor doesn't engage, and nothing else happens other than the clicking sound continues until I turn the key off.

Since this happened while I was cleaning fuses and wiring, it's seems likely that I did something to cause a wire to come loose? All fuses are ok. Has anyone had experience with a similar problem?

Thanks.

 

[sparkydave]

What did you mean by the clicking continues until you turn the key off? Is this the fuel pump clicking, or the starter solenoid clicking? The fuel pump should be clicking when you turn the key on, and if the starter solenoid doesn't click when you turn the key to start, then check the wiring from the switch to the starter solenoid. If the starter solenoid is clicking ONCE when you turn the key to start, then there is something wrong with the starter motor or the solenoid. If the starter solenoid is clicking repeatedly, maybe the battery is dying. If you put the car in neutral and jumper the starter terminal (the little one from the key, not the big one that goes to the starter) on the starter solenoid to the battery terminal, does the engine crank? If so, check the wiring from the key. If not, suspect the battery, solenoid, or starter motor.

 

[wsm]

Thanks. The only clicking I get is when I turn the key to "on" which continues when I turn to "start." So, this must be the fuel pump. I'll check the wiring to the starter solonoid and see if that does the trick. It's strange that this wiring would go out, since I was only working around the fuse box. But, I know I shouldn't be surprised, after all it's a 31 year old Lucas electrical system.

 

[spritenut]

You may have knocked off the wire that powers the soleniod with the key on.
Look at the small wires on the soleniod, browns are battery power dirrect, the white/red is the "start" wire.