Startup issues

[marquis]

I have a 74 c10 and I recently installed a edlebrock performer eps and a holley 600cfm. After the install my truck will not start. The starter whines and sometimes spins the flywheel but other times all you hear is the starter and nothing happens. Does anyone have any idea what might be the problem?

[geezer#99]

Starter solenoid is toast. Change it or the whole starter.

[marquis]

How do it determine whether it's the solenoid or the starter?

[geezer#99]

By the way it acts. If the solenoid is crapping out it works like yours. Works sometimes.
Your starter does work when the solenoid works so it's likely your solenoid.
The solenoid's job is to push on the lever in the starter housing and mesh the starter gear with the ring gear on the flywheel.
Solenoids get weak after awhile.
Some people change out the starter and solenoid as a complete unit. Some just change the solenoid.
At least with a new starter you know you're getting a good unchewed gear. Every time your starter has a hard time meshing the gears, the starter gear gets chewed or chipped a bit.