Won't start

[Wike]

Just installed new gear reduction starter on my 74 tr6. Added a 1/2 oz of gas to each carb, hit the key and she fired right up. Next, I made sure that gas was getting from tank to pump to carbs, climbed inside, sat on the floor, depressed the clutch, turned the key and got this fast clicking sound from the starter. Why did she fire the first time when I was standing outside the car, no clutch depressed, but not the second time?
Just replaced the main wiring harness prior to starting. I am in the processes of installing a new dash board, so none of the gauges, dash lights, etc. are connected.
Help!

 

[3798j]

That fast clicking sound probably indicates the engine isn't actually turning over. I'd check both ends of the battery terminal wire connections (paying particular attention to the ground wire) and also check with a load tester that the battery has a sufficient charge.

 

[DrEntropy]

Sounds like the battery is weak.

 

[Banjo]

Yup. just like above. low voltage to the starter on the high amp circuit. either a low battery, or a poor connection somewhere. First check the battery, then once that is known good, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, and check all the connections in-between. a loose nut on the starter solenoid, or at the starter, or where the battery ground bolts to the chassis can cause that.

 

[Wike]

Thanks for the responses....low battery output was the problem, charged it up and it turned over. However, now I can't get her to keep running. Goes about 5-10 seconds then dies. I'm green when it comes to carbs and alike. I had taken the intake and exhaust manifolds off to have them blasted and finished, replaced the linkages and choke cables. Apparently I have done something incorrectly.
Is there a how to procedure to get her to run steady?
Thanks again...one and all.

 

[Geo Hahn]

...Next, I made sure that gas was getting from tank to pump to carbs...

I'm wondering how you did that since (unless you now have an electric pump) I think you would need to crank the engine to confirm fuel is being pumped all the way to the carbs.

I ask as the 5-10 seconds & shut down you describe sounds like it lacks fuel.

 

[Wike]

I manually pumped the lever on the bottom of the fuel pump to get gas to carbs the first time. I believe that once this fuel was spent the engine dies. If so, what conclusion should be drawn. Bad fuel pump?

 

[TR3driver]

The lever on the pump operates the pump, so if that worked, the pump itself should be OK. However, the 'foot' that rides on the cam lobe might be broken, or installed wrong, or the cam lobe itself absent somehow.

Easy check : disconnect the fuel line at one of the carbs and point it into a container while you crank the engine.