Power shuts off when starting

[keola27]

Truck: 1989 Ford Ranger

Issue: Turn key, dash lights up, I hear starter solenoid engage, power shuts off. Must disconnect battery and reconnect for power to return to dash and cab.

Background:
Recently changed clutch, pressure plate, rear seal, throw out bearing and flywheel.
At fuse box volt meter reads 12.4v. Cleaned battery connection.
reseated electrical connections on transmission (i don't think this is required to start is it?)

 

[Spott]

I'd start by double-checking the battery cables and grounds. A cable that's chewed partway through, or is badly corroded, can cause problems like those, because it can no longer carry the large current to turn the starter. Check and clean each major connection point for the cables and grounds, too.

Also make sure the battery is well charged, and have it "load tested" at a parts store.

 

[adsm08]

I'm with Spott. It reads like a connection issue at the battery.

You said you cleaned your terminals, or at least I hope you did both. Check your cables where they go into the terminal end. I had a similar problem with my BII for two years, very intermittent at first but got worse. One day I was messing around with it at work at the end of the day and the guy who works next to me walked over, looked at it for two seconds, and then without any effort at all he pulled the cable out of the clamp, because it was shot.

 

[keola27]

Thanks guys!

I checked the connectors, the thick negative black cable going to the body was corroded... i cleaned it with a wire brush and WD40 till it ran clean. it started right up, and its been sitting for 8 months! haha i love this truck.

Thanks a bunch.