3.8 v6 not running, not sure why

[papercutout]

First off, I'm posting this on behalf of a friend, so will put as many details as I know, but it'll be tricky to check stuff - idea's are hugely welcome though.

The friend has a Mazda B2200 with the 3.8 V6 commodore engine dropped in (see photo - I'm sorry if it's a pre-93 or post-97 engine, please move thread to correct section if so).

He finally got the engine in, fitted, running and good, and took it down the street (it'd worked fine on the drive already) when he got to the end of the road and slowed down, the car stalled and stopped. Now all it does it click when you turn the key. They've tried to push start the car down the road and it didn't start still.

Not really checked anything yet, so any idea's really appreciated - what to check, what it probably is causing the lack of starting (it apparently ran fine until stopping though, I'd take that to mean as no mis-firing etc.)

Thanks!

[huggyboii]

If its clicking when you turn the key and not making an engine whirr, it only sounds like it may be the alternator.. Is the battery fully charged? What about fuses, it definately sounds electrical..

[bogan_vk]

is the wires on the starter motor connected still? or loose connection on the starter motor maybe, worth a look.

[maldotcom2]

Check the cable on the back of the alternator is tight and not burnt.

[wortus]

If it's clicking when you try to start it the battery is flat. What is happening is when you turn the key the solenoid is pulled in but when it applies voltage to the starter motor the battery voltage falls to the point the solenoid drops out. the voltage recovers and as long as you hold the key to start the process cycle until the battery is totally flat. If the battery is not stuffed you need to charge it and check your starting system.

[hako]

I'd go with what wortus says - flat battery - plus with a flat battery the car will not start by pushing or towing as the electronics must have full voltage (at least 12.4Vdc) to turn the fuel pump on and power the DFI and coils. Insufficient volts and the car will never start.

[woteva]

Check the engine earth connection from the motor to the body.