Some trouble starting today

Ok, some background. I just rebuilt the trans in my '81 Southwind. Got it put back in just fine. The rebuild took about 3 weeks with all the breaks I kept taking. But the engine was running immediately before that. I run it once a week if we don't make it to the lake to keep it lubed and charged.

So I go out today, put in the new battery, hook up the fake-a-lake, and get ready to run it so I can change the oil. No dice. It cranks, but doesn't start. It's not locked up b/c the pulleys have spun enough to make a few rotations. Little wisps of smoke come from the battery terminals, so I won't dare try to turn it over for long. I'll pull the plugs in a bit just to see, but what else should I look for? Is there any reason the trans would keep it from starting? I checked it for binding before I reinstalled it. Thanks guys

So, does it turn over at normal speed but just will not fire. Or, is it turning over very slowly? If turning over slowly, I would say you have a poor connections at the battery, hence the smoke from resistance. If the connections are clean and tight AND you can turn the engine with the front hub bolt with minimal force, then I would think your starter took a dump. If it is hard to turn the crank with a wrench, then I would say your tranny rebuild did not go so well, but no clue as to why.

If the engine spins freely with the starter, then look for a wire you forgot to reconnect that supplies the ignition system.

79nautique wrote: sound like a wire is crossed or something any smoke from a wire isn't good, what size battery did you buy? CCA rating that is or Cold Cranking Amps? are you using 2 ga cables as well? not good if you are.

The battery is 500 CCA. I don't know the cable size, but they're the same ones that have always been on there. There's no size on the wires.

I gotta say, I am impressed with all of the replies. And not just and reply, but very helpful ones. Thanks for all the help!

I don't like the thought of even being out on the water with a dead battery, so I replaced the cables and clamps, changed the plugs, and it started up. No binding in the tranny (my biggest fear).

I have a new issue with the tranny, but I'll start a new thread since they're not related. Looks like I'll need to start divvying out some six-packs

I think 500 CCA is scimpy...min. I think should be 650... or higher is a benefit!I use 750.Even if the starter developes a dead spot higher cranking batt can overcome it for a while!

Did you disconnect and reconnect any other wires? Is there a spark or arch at the batt terimal...or just a poof of smoke?

And as everyone has said...clean the terminals...WELL and the batt connections!