85 won't start, doesn't even turn over

[JayD]

I have a 1985 with 75K miles on it. When I turn the ignition switch to start, I hear one semi-click, all the lights go out, and the battery voltage drops to 1.8 Volts and remains there. So I figure I have a short, but here is the weird part. After I disconnect the battery and reconnect it, the battery voltage jumps back up to 12.3 until I try to start it again. So somehow I am clearing up the short by discnnecting and reconnecting the battery. Does anybody has any ideas what this could be?
Thanks

 

[greenstingray]

85 won't start,doesn't even turn over

Check you battery cable terminals. I would disconnect them from the battery anc clean them up with one of those battery brushes you can buy in an auto parts store. Looks at the battery if it dirty clean them up with the brush. If your teminals have battery acid on them (looks like white powder) you can use baking soda in water will clean up the teminals. I think you just have a bad connection to the battery.

 

[JayD]

I kind of thought it was the starter or solenoid, but is that possibe if I am not getting the clicking noise. All I get before everything goes dead is one very faint click. (Likely the solenoid initially engaging)

 

[greenstingray]

85 won't start,doesn't even turn over

The next time you try and start her up and she won't turn over. Touch the positvie cable end at the battery. It will be hot to the touch. Too much resistance.