battery has about 12.8 volts when tested with my multimeter. When i turn the key over it clicks like the battery is dead. If i leave the key to the run position and arc the starter is starts like normal. Most of the time after i do this the car with start via the key for a short while thereafter. Any ideas as to where i should start on this one?

 

I'd suspect the starter solenoid, first. The operation of the ignition switch seems normal if the starter at least clicks every time you try to start it. The battery seems adequate as well. Maybe yank thenstartermout and get it tested at the local auto store....

 

Yep i would check the starter solenoid. They can go out over time but also if you have a loose connection from your ignition. Does it arc on and off when you try to start with key? If so you might want to check your connections. If not then probably went out from age.

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This may help, courtesy of Shoebox. 94 will be same as 95.

http://shbox.com/1/starter_charging_95.jpg

 

I agree with yanking the starter out. By hearing a "click", that indicates that the plunger on the starter solenoid moved, but the starter isn't turning. Since you indicated that there is power in the battery, and that you arch the starter to get it going would rule out a battery issue. So i believe the starter is getting the signal, but the solenoid isn't commanding the actual starter motor to rotate, hence why you have to do it yourself manually. A bench test at a auto store will confirm this.

 

Yes, the click you're hearing is the plunger moving the gear back to engage the flywheel, but at the front end of the plunger has a metal disc (copper if I remember correctly), that makes contact between the 12V battery input and the starter motor to spin the gear. They get pretty fouled and pitted from the arcing when contact is made due to the high current.

If you pull the starter and replace the solenoid, don't use a no-name, cheap replacement.

 

Looking into it more this weekend. Thanks for the help guys.



Side note, are all o2 sensors pretty much the same for lt1s?

 

No. Use only AC Delco or Delphi.