Have a '98 Blazer with the classic click, no crank starting problem. Have ruled out starter, alternator, battery, terminals & connections, and fuses. Checked & cleaned every electrical connection & ground I could physically reach under the hood. Everything receives power when key is turned to accessories or on position; headlights, radio, wipers. I can hear the fuel pump kick in. Scans show no codes at all. It starts and runs fine for months at a time, then doesn't. Hours, days or a week later starts no problem. No certain circumstance or condition seems to factor in. Wiring on the neutral safety hasn't been tested but it doesn't try to start in any gears other than park or neutral. Had a few parts in the front end replaced and a new front wiper motor within the last year or so. Other than that nothing but maintenance for 5 yrs or more. An after market electric start was installed about 16 years ago. I think I lost the manual 15 3/4 years ago. Trying to get info on that now, all I know about it is that it still works & the connections look ok. Then the ignition switch. The mechanic I've used wants to replace it, if that's not it replace everything from it to the starter. He's checked it a few times when its down, replaced fuses & looked for bad grounds or wiring but not repaired anything. I wanna know somethings broke before I pay to replace it. I already know I'm broke. If anyone can make it to the end of this short novel, thoughts, advice and prayers will all be graciously accepted. If something doesn't happen soon I'm considering an exorcism. Oh yeah, I've also banged, pulled, poked and prodded everthing possible on it, to the point I feel kinda creepy now.
"98 S10 LT
4.3
4wd
automatic

 

It's a Blazer, Beating, Poking and prodding is usually needed and sometimes warranted - If i may ask how did you rule out starter and when it just clicks do you have a full 12 volts at the small wire on the solenoid

 

The mechanic tested the starter, initially he assumed it was bad. Said there was "full power going into it". I assume he tested the voltage going in. Hmmm.... He also replaced the starter relay fuse I not only tested but also swapped with my sister's 2002 Blazer to make sure it was good. (yeah...we're a Chevy family, comes in handy). My method of testing is to hold on to the housing, feel & hear the click. Can't describe the next sound. Something like either not enough power or power going to something locked up & won't turn. Ok, I'm no mechanic, but after 20 years I know what the thing sounds & feels like. I'll test it myself this time. Depending on what is shows maybe drop the starter & take it somewhere else to be tested? I'll update with good news hopefully.

Your voices are mumbling? Mine ran away a long time ago. Thanks for the help.

 

My best guess without being there to test it is a open in the starter, bad brushes that hang up, bad bushings in the starter or a weak solenoid, and every time it's clicked the starter is bumped a little getting by the weak spot.

Bench testing doesn't always show the starter is bad but usually it does.

I maybe wrong but it sounds like your mechanic has tested every thing but the starter itself, it maybe time to swap out the mechanic too.

There is nothing wrong with a Chevy family just shows you know what a good vehicle is. I do own a 98.5 dodge Cummings but also a 1983 Chevy 3/4 ton with the 6.2 diesel - 2 RX7s [one is a 4X4 with all Chevy running gear, only thing left Mazda is the body and lights and the other has a Chevy 350 V8 under the hood]

 

I would check voltage at the starter when some one turns the key. If it's seeing enough voltage but not turning over then replace it. If you have a "you pull it" yard anywhere near by you can pick one up cheap right off the shelf. At least here you can.