Some say yes and some say no. I have worked on two motors where the timing chain broke and everything was ok. I rebuilt a motor and turned the crank without the timing chain connected and tried to see it the piston and valves would contact. I dont think it is a interference motor.

Hi Dave,
All you need to troubleshoot your issue are already on your thread.
First we need to figure out why it shuts down - most likely your battery wiring.
Next, if you get the click-only but no crank problem we need to address that. too. Since you have 1986 that has the starter relay I GUARANTY you that that starter relay is wired wrong from the factory. Pls see my thread about that.

I just now saw your PM to me it didn';t come in as a PM I don't usally check this format let me know if U still need it send a PM