Changed thermostat and now won't start

[flyer51]

I just changed the thermostat on my 1997 Astro van and now it won"t start. Started fine immediately prior to thermostat replacement. All I get now when I turn the key is a single click and then nothing. Checked the battery and it is fine. Any ideas?

[astro355]

Hello,

Was there a ground attached to one of the bolts holding the gooseneck on?

Was there any other wires that you disconnected while you were changing the thermostat?

Did you spill any coolant while changing the thermostat?

Any chance that a tool hit the back of the alternator?

[flyer51]

Yes there was a ground on one of the goosneck bolts and it was reattached. The only other connections were on the air intake (two) and they were reattached. A small amount of coolant was spilt but only on the radiator side. I'm not aware that anything hit the alternator and if so probably not hard enough to cause any damage.

[0fourstro]

try giving it a boost. I believe your battery died on you.

[flyer51]

I thought so too and I did give it a boost but no change...1 click and that was it. Had the battery checked and it is fine. As I said, it started perfectly prior to this.

[0fourstro]

Check for loose or dirty battery cables. Clean and tighten them.

[flyer51]

Guys, I really appreciate the responses and being new I don't want this to sound wrong but none of these would have changed just because I changed the thermostat. The van started perfectly immediately before the replacement but will not start immediately after. I am not getting a clicking sound as one would expect from a dead or low battery. All I am is getting a single click from what I am guessing is the solenoid on the starter and then nothing. I am open to suggestions but I have checked all of the obvious issues. Thanks.

[astro355]

Did you clean the ground connection before you reattached it?

I asked about anything hitting the alternator because of the hot cable that is mounted to the back of the alternator. If you were to drop a tool back there and get that lovely 'arc', you could blow one of the fusible links going to the starter.

I would put a remote trigger on the starter and see if you can get it to turn over that way. If it turns over, then one of the fusible links popped.

[flyer51]

Astro355 turns out you're a genius. My son did most of the work on it and apparently he dropped a bolt back there. It seems that is wasn't arcing but just creating a direct ground to the block.Pulled it out of there and it fired right up...perhaps stronger than before. I want to thank everyone that responded. It's nice to know that there are people willing to help.

[astro355]

Just glad we could help.