New starter but car wont start sometimes? Help

[jackelope]

Automatic or stick? If automatic, try small movements on the gear selector while trying to start. Be persistent. If that promotes starting, it's probably a neutral safety switch. They are generally easy to change out and relatively cheap.

A bad switch won't allow power to anything, so if the clicking is happening, I'd bet against the switch.

[jackelope]

I cannot remember for sure. I think its a single click

If it's definitely a single click, id pull the starter out and have it bench tested.

You could put a meter to it and see if you're getting power to the starter rather than guessing and throwing a bunch of parts at it too.

[Kittman]

I cannot remember for sure. I think its a single click

If it's definitely a single click, id pull the starter out and have it bench tested.

You could put a meter to it and see if you're getting power to the starter rather than guessing and throwing a bunch of parts at it too.

+1 the meter will tell no lies...

[raydog]

My old truck had a wire melted when it got to close to the engine. We finally found it and never had problems with it starting when it wanted to it again. I believe it was the wire that powered the ignition.

[coachcw]

ok quick run down , click click clicking noise would be low voltage . if you get a single click from the starter then most likely its in the starter, try turning the headlamps on and cranking if the lamps stay on strong and you get the click your new starter has a issue ( it does happen) those buicks often had a double positive cable and they would get a poor connection between the cables so the car would power but not the starter. there is a main ground on one of the front bell housing bolts that could be loose if the transmission has been out. I have seen the neutral safety switches loose on those as well but you wouldn't get the click .

[jeepster]

Hit the solenoid with a hammer a few times

Make sure terminals are clean and tight

[MtnMuley]

Where'd you get the starter from? If it's a Napa starter, I'm betting that's your problem.