I've been trying to figure this out for quite some time now. Time to turn to the enthusiasts.

I'm having a problem with my 1987 8cyl Carbed Camaro LT. Sometimes when i go to start her up she wont. The batters seems to have plenty of charge in it (lights turn on full power, power windowns work normally). There are clicking noises when I turn the key but the engine doesnt try to crank over or anything.
If the car sits for long enough it will start up on its own, but I usually get a jump and my car will turn right on. This is the part that confuses me; my batery seems to have plenty of charge and wont start but when i get a jump it starts right up.

I need help guys!

All input is welcome!

 

maybe your alternator is shot and not holding a charge, just a thought

 

What type of battery? Have you checked how many amps it's putting out under load? Have you checked your alternator output?

If your battery is not putting out enough CCA it will not start. Accessories will run fine but no start.

 

Are you saying that after you drive it for a while and then shut it off...go back after a bit-it won't start? If thats the case, you may have a starter/starter solenoid problem. I had the same problem and changed the starter. That didn't fix the problem. I ended up putting a heat shield around it and wrapping it in heat retardant wrap and that finally solved the problem.

 

It is indeed your starter Solenoid. Get a replacement starter at autozone and their lifetime warranty.

 

It may be the solenoid, it may be the starter. I've found that if you have extra current available (i.e. jump start) that it's often the starter motor. You can check this by trying to start the car with the headlights on. If they dim real bad when you hear that clicking, it's the starter. if they don't dim bad, then it's likely an electrical/battery issue or a solenoid.

 

I always like checking the easy stuff first. you should make sure all of your connections are tight and free of corrosion. and yes a bad connection will make that happen no matter how much of a charge you have.

If everything is good to go then my next guess would be that solenoid. the heat might be tearing it apart. take that starter off and get it checked. if its bad then get a heat shield and slap a new one on with a warranty!

Mine left me stranded a few times with that same problem.
just go for a good one which might cost you a few more dollars , but its probably gonna last you longer than those cheap ones you get at discount auto part stores.