1987 5k CSQ starting problem - long

[Ben Swann]

I concur with Huw, as that long cable back to the battery is a lpossible culprit.  However you may want to check the easier ones first - the ground strap to the back of the block and all connections to the battery posts as well as the starter.  Probably what Huw is saying, but chase the easy stuff first.

Ben

[> This is a bit of long story...  my brother-in-law's 1987 5k csq has been
> giving problems for sometime now.  The symptoms are as follows:  The car
> would not start when cold or for that matter even when it is warm outside -
> the problem began in Fall when it had not become so cold here in Chicago,
> yet.  Jump starting the vehicle with another  vehicle would enable an almost
> immediate start.  I finally took it to our trusted mechanic who did the
> following 

[fixed everything]

  Repeated attempts to start the engine
> results only in draining the battery. But if it is jumped with another
> vehicle, it starts right away.  Can anyone give us a clue as to where else
> to look ?

I'd examine the quality of the major high current connections - 
battery/starter/alternator grounds, main connecting wires, and terminals.

There is a long batery cable run from the back seat to the starter, that 
has (according to my reading here) a splice in it that often develops 
some inappropriate resistance.  It's under the passenger footwell 
carpet, as I understand.
-- 
Huw Powell]