Starting issues... 81 Z28

[rocketman350]

Hey guy in need some input on my problems, cars a 81 z28 with 350 sb auto. I've been trying to get to start for the last week and got no where. New battery, new starter, good alternator. Try to start it with the key and I hear the starter gear engage but won't turn the motor over. I'm thinking the starter fuseable link is fried, but not sure. Need help fast!! Thanks guys

[rchaskin]

Short the starter out with a large screwdriver.
If it spins, that will tell you if the wiring is bad.

[rocketman350]

I had already done that one and it turned over the engine, then there was smoke figured the started was fried so I put a new one in and wouldn't turn over even with the screwdriver, so I have a short somewhere

[rchaskin]

Is the motor locked up / broken. Have you tried to turn it over by hand?
Take the sparkplugs out and try to turn it with the balancer.

[rocketman350]

That was the first thing I did when I bought the car, turns over with no problems by hand

[JEFFTATE]

So, you can turn the engine by hand ?
But it will not turn with a starter ?

From what you are saying , the starter solenoid is engaging ( kicking forward) the starter gear to engage with the ring gear on the flexplate, but there isn't enough electrical amperage to actually turn the engine over .
Is there plenty of amperage available to the starter ?
Do an amperage draw test .
Check the battery cables .