Greetings, another starting problem here with 1980 Pickup. I turn the key and it takes three-four attempts to start cranking. With Li jump battery hooked up, it starts right away. New battery - did not help, a new starter - the same thing. I understand that 1980 does not have a starter relay?
Check your contacts at the starter. Clean everything up with sandpaper or wire brush. Starters need a good ground to work correctly. Also check the chassis ground wire from the block to the chassis, and (-) battery cable where it attaches to the chassis. Clean these up with sandpaper. If all else fails, run a separate hard ground wire from the starter (use a mounting bolt) to the chassis.Your starter solenoid is attached to the starter motor. Again, clean all the wires that attach to this also.
Mine was doing this a short while ago. Alternator belt was loose so it wasnt providing any current on startup.
Could be the ignition switch is getting worn out and can't provide enough current to the solenoid. It is worth putting a relay on the starter, it will work better than stock and cheaper than a new ignition switch.
Forgot to add the basics. Double check your battery top posts. You should not be able to rotate them in either direction once tightened. If they move, you’re not getting a solid contact.
