'65 starting problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Edmond Oklahoma
'65 starting problem
Here I am again, in need of advice. The car runs fantastic, but suddenly has a serious problem starting. The ignition is apparently shorted, thus the engine won't fire, while cranking the starter. It does start sometimes as soon as I release the key, while it's still spinning. I currently have a Patronix converter in place of the points/condenser, but will replace if that's the likely problem.
The other obvious problem is the old engine wiring harness. In particular, the wires coming from the starter have been spliced, partly burned, are oily, etc. Can a short in one of these wires cause this sort of starting problem? I see now that I should have changed the harness long ago.
Any suggestions, recommendations, guesses? I really appreciate the help.
Jerry
The other obvious problem is the old engine wiring harness. In particular, the wires coming from the starter have been spliced, partly burned, are oily, etc. Can a short in one of these wires cause this sort of starting problem? I see now that I should have changed the harness long ago.
Any suggestions, recommendations, guesses? I really appreciate the help.
Jerry
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
The ignition is apparently shorted, thus the engine won't fire, while cranking the starter. It does start sometimes as soon as I release the key, while it's still spinning. The other obvious problem is the old engine wiring harness. In particular, the wires coming from the starter have been spliced, partly burned, are oily, etc.
The usual cause for the symptom you describe is failure of the 18-ga. black/pink bypass wire from the small "R" terminal on the starter solenoid that goes to the (+) terminal on the coil. That wire supplies a full 12V to the coil only when cranking, and drops out as soon as the key returns to the "on" position. If that circuit is open, the coil gets no power while cranking.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Put a test light on the - terminal of the coil while you're cranking. The test light should stay lit. Move it to the + terminal and crank the engine. The test light should flash off/on.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,927
From: Washington Michigan
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 26,118
Likes: 1,874
From: Greenville, Indiana
I had it right the first time, went brain dead and changed it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 5
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Thanks, JohnZ, a broken wire near the solenoid was the problem.
Replaced two old rotten wires, and it seems fine now. Although most of the damaged wiring was down near the starter, will see about installing a new engine wiring harness before something else breaks.
Thanks, again. This wannabe mechanic would be lost without help from you and the rest of the group. Happy motoring!
Jerry
Replaced two old rotten wires, and it seems fine now. Although most of the damaged wiring was down near the starter, will see about installing a new engine wiring harness before something else breaks.
Thanks, again. This wannabe mechanic would be lost without help from you and the rest of the group. Happy motoring!
Jerry
