74-914 Engine won't turn over
 

A couple of months ago I came across a 1974-914/1.8 that had been sitting on a lot for about 3 years. The engine had been overhauled(3 years ago) and the owner left the car with another mechanic to have some minor work done. Anyhow, I tried starting it the other day and got nothing but a click each time I turned the key. Thinking it may be the starter, I had it checked and rebuilt. Now when I turn the key I get a "thunk" and nothing else. I'll probably unbolt the starter to see if it spins. Any suggestions?

Yes. Check Jim Thorusen's starter troubleshooting article. It's in the tech articles section of this very website.

--DD

I'd try turning the engine by HAND with the fan and the trans in neutral. Or put it in gear and try rolling the car a little. Remove the distrib cap to make it easier to see if the engine turns. If it does turn this way, batt voltage could be low or the cable/ connectors could be old/bad/etc or starter bad/etc. If it is seized, there are other posts here suggesting things to do.

It's a ground problem- same thing happened to me. Replaced starter, wasn't better, so I shorted across the starter terminals and it worked fine. Now all I need is to find a cheap ground strap! Original is $ridiculous$!!

Just check at your FLAPS. I found a ground strap (non-braided, but what the heck) for pretty darn cheap. I think it was "Exide" brand--they seem to make a lot of battery stuff--terminal cleaners, terminal clamps, the felt washers with anti-corrosion stuff in them, tie-downs, etc.

--DD