Engine will not start after replacing head gasket

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Chances are if the starter was good prior to the repairs, it still is. When you get a click, that usually indicates a weak battery. Can you have a helper turn the key to start while you check how much of a voltage drop there is with the battery? You need approximately 9.6v while cranking for everything to work properly.

Next, a loose terminal can do the same thing. Recheck battery terminals to make sure they are clean and tight. Also, check the main ground between the battery and engine block to confirm nothing was damaged.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Good morning,

Yes, I tested the battery while cranking it over and the volts went down to 6.54. now as an additional question when I held the key on smoke came from the back of the starter motor. is that normal when held on?

Tom

Welcome back:

No that isn't normal. First, make sure the engine can be turned by hand. If it can, replace the starter. It is getting power, so either there is a short internally or something has caused the engine to lock and the starter can't turn it.

Let me know what you find.

Joe