Warning: vague issue that may have multiple causes.

(1984 2.5L 1bbl)
Hello all,

Troubleshooting a slow cranking starter issue on a wagoneer I recently acquired. It has been parked for some time, but the engine was rebuilt less than 2,000 miles before it was parked. Receipts in hand. Oil is good, pulled valve cover and plugs 2, 3, 4 and took the attached video with a good battery and jump back hooked up. The engine is not seized, I turned it over by hand and it clearly does crank over. Note I am using a remote starter switch to bypass the likely faulty ignition switch.

Before anything, I replaced battery terminals and cables, starter (reman certified), and confirmed alternator wiring to be correct and starter solenoid not faulty as the wires were corroded and one terminal missing entirely. I have tried two good batteries, so that's not the issue.

After that only improved the cranking to the video I now attached (before it was even slower), I also replaced the ground strap from the firewall to the back of the block. I did find that there are two wires that ground back there that had very badly corroded to the O-ring that was on the stud. Could that be the problem?

When attempting to start, the battery goes down to 7v and I only get a click from the solenoid. I am near my wits end and taking any productive suggestions. Thanks all.




Any ideas on what to do next? I’m not trying to get it to fire, just want it to turn over well before moving forward.