97 challenger 1800 wont start

[bosshogg]

Friend of mine just bought a new to him challenger. Left engine was rebuilt two years ago. Right engine is original. He got it home and the right engine would only engage the starter, it would not turn over with spark plugs in it. took plugs out and it turns over, so I thought starter was weak since battery is good enough to start the rebuilt engine. Installed new starter and the same problem persists. It turns over slower with the plugs out of it than the other engine turns over with the plugs in it. Anyone else ever run into this problem? Its not hydrolocked, we turned it over plenty enough to clear anything out of it.

 

[kustomkarl]

It sounds like its a wire connection. Check the wires at the battery and the ground wire going to the stater area. Be sure the wires have a good, clean connection. If they look good, it could be the wire is corroded on the inside and needs to have the end cut off and replaced. I see this exact problem all the time.

Karl

 

[bosshogg]

Thanks for the insight, never really put too much thought into the wire being corroded inside. I am a mechanic by trade (work on Deere farm equip.) but the stuff on land doesnt see near as much water as these lol

 

[pincusa]

Yeah, a little bit of corrosion will stop a 12V system. Anyone who has ever fought with trailer lights knows what I'm saying..

 

[bosshogg]

I am more leaning towards a lightly seized cylinder since I can remove the front spark plug and it will still crank, just not with both plugs in it. Either way, my friend is taking it to the marina tomorrow so we shall see what they say.