Turning the key pops something and only unhooking the battery lets me try again.

[exchaoordo]

I've got a brand new to me '66 Electra 225 convertible that won't - yet - start. I turn the key, get "Gen" and "hot," and then a "not quite a click" sound. Everything goes dead until I unhook the battery and go through the same process. I know the sound of a starter solenoid that clicks, but this isn't that.

My hope is that the main circuit breaker (new one on order) is popping. My worst fear is that the engine is seized. Help, please.

 

[suntreemcanic]

First thing to do is clean those battery cables clamps and battery posts till they are shiny clean.

 

[322bnh]

Also any harness plug at the firewall.

 

[BuddyJ]

You might try cleaning both ends of both battery cables. When my '62 Electra 225 wasn't holding a charge I cleaned both ends of both battery cables. Problem solved.

 

[exchaoordo]

Thanks Buddy. I think I need whole new cables and fittings.