Engine won't start or turn over...1965 Chev w/350 engine

[Old Blue 1965]

I went to start my truck 1965 C-10 with a 1971 350 motor after it had been running. I had just replaced my heater core and bolted it in and checked for leaks and topped it off with antifreeze.
I then found a leak from the fuel pump, turned it off. Replaced the fuel pump and went to click the starter to move the cam, it clicked, and on the next try NOTHING. No starter click just the lights dim when turning the key. It is as if the battery was dead, charged it overnight and still nothing?????

Any ideas where I should start to figure out what could have happened. Maybe starter, ignition switch? I just had installed a Pertronics electronic ignition to replace points, also coil, wires, cap & rotor and plugs. Engine ran really great, like a new motor.

Please help me to figure out where to begin the diagnosis of this problem.

Thank you very much, Wongeroo guided me thru the heater core R&R and was perfect!

Craig

[Sharps40]

If it clicked and the lights dimmed, start first with connections at battery, starter and ground, very clean, very tight. If that don't do it, load test the battery or swap in a temp replacement.

Sudden failure is usually at the battery and/or connections. Rarely its the starter, they typically let ya know they're goin bad well in advance with hesitation, slow rotation or occasional failure of the starter to engage.

[Old Blue 1965]

Thanks, Sharps40,
It clicked when I bumped the started to move the cam, next try it didn't even make a sound. Key just turned and charging gauge on dash went down. Turned on the dome light and when I turned the key it also dimmed, it is pulling a load but no starter click, and never had a hint of a starter problem prior to this.

I will try your suggestions to start out with though, if that doesn't work what should be next?

thanks,
Craig

[Sharps40]

Solinoid sounds stuck smack - tap starter/solinoid with a mallet then bump the key It may come unstuck. Sometimes rocking the engine, either by the crank or by putting it in gear and shoving it fwd/back will unstick it. If it does it again with clean cables and a good battery I'd be lookin at a new starter.

[Snailed]

Yeah, my 350 was cranking slowly when I got it even with new cables and battery. After a few more starts it just clicked and then nothing. I held the key on for about 5 sec to let the extra smoke out and ordered a Powermaster gear reduction starter. It does a great job and from what I have read and seen, they are very reliable.

[19666Trucker]

Sounds like cell in the battery died go get it load tested most part houses so it free.
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[Old Blue 1965]

Sharps40
Your comment on post #2 was dead on!!! The hot wire from the battery to the starter was loose. I started at the battery and cleaned the posts and tightened them up then the ground, then crawled under and found the starter wire was not tight.

Thanks to all of you for your input, it started right up. I then pulled the Six-Pac cabover camper off and drove it around making sure I was good to go.

This morning I drove it to work, now to look into body and paint. It has the typical front wheel well rust and a bit on the right door. Otherwise pretty solid. The inside of the cab and dash are like new as my Dad kept it in a covered area. He brought the truck home new when I was 12 years old.

Thanks again for all the help, I probably will be asking a lot more things as I go along with the restore.

Craig