Trouble Starting Ecotec V6

[Torana Ben]

Hi guys, im a new member and an owner of a Torana, which has been modified and is now running a 3.8L Ecotec out of a VS commy.

Having trouble starting my car at the moment, car turns over but does not fire up. I had a loudish noise coming from the engine which i was told was my alternator. So i sourced a "new" (second hand) one from the wreckers. When my car wouldnt start (was turning over) i decided to change the alternator, and it started straight away.

With the "new" alternator installed i had the same noise coming from the engine, and then the car wouldnt fire again. So i assumed that the "new" alternator was a dud. Took it back to the wreckers to get an exchange and the bloke there said he wouldnt change it cause there is nothing wrong with it, and there must be another problem.

I do have issues with my starter motor sometimes, it needs a new solenoid. Occasionally i wont get anything when i turn the key, but if i leave it for 20 minutes i can then start it.

Well i have no idea what the problem is! Any help or ideas? I really thought it was the alternator cause as soon as i changed it, it worked! Im leaning towards just buying a new alternator, but im dirty that the one i got from the wreckers that doesnt work cost me $80.

The car has no power steering or a/c, so the noise cant be anything to do with those pulleys. Also i cant check for error codes as i dont have an in car display to show the codes.

[hako]

I'd get a new starter first as the noise you heard may be the starter still in mesh with the flywheel. Are you sure you haven't fitted the battery wrong way round....it must be negative earth - this will make the alternator scream till it fails.....can't blame the wreckers then.