'76 Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
'76 Starting Problem
We just finished replacing the rotor, cap, spark Plugs and (4) of the spark plug wires in my bro's '76 coupe.
We are having a problem starting the car. I believe the starter is going, but not sure. When turning the key over, the solenoid engages, but the starter does not turn. I turn the key several times, then the starter turns the engine over fine and she fires up.
I had to adjust the park/neutral switch so we didn't have to start the car in reverse or drive. Is there any correlation or is it simply a starter going bad.
I need to remove the starter to get better access to the front two wires on the passenger side. I figured this would be a good time to just replace it if bad.
Thanks,
Dino
We are having a problem starting the car. I believe the starter is going, but not sure. When turning the key over, the solenoid engages, but the starter does not turn. I turn the key several times, then the starter turns the engine over fine and she fires up.
I had to adjust the park/neutral switch so we didn't have to start the car in reverse or drive. Is there any correlation or is it simply a starter going bad.
I need to remove the starter to get better access to the front two wires on the passenger side. I figured this would be a good time to just replace it if bad.
Thanks,
Dino
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Are you saying that the only things you did to the car was change some ignition items and now it won't start? If this is the case, I would double check all of the wires around the distributor to make sure that you are getting a good connection.
If it was already doing this before, then it might be your starter. Sometimes they swell from heat and the starter motor won't turn after the bendix engages the flywheel. If you take the starter off the car, most local parts stores can test the starter for you. On the other hand, the starters aren't very expensive to begin with.
If it was already doing this before, then it might be your starter. Sometimes they swell from heat and the starter motor won't turn after the bendix engages the flywheel. If you take the starter off the car, most local parts stores can test the starter for you. On the other hand, the starters aren't very expensive to begin with.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
Originally Posted by dino89vette
We just finished replacing the rotor, cap, spark Plugs and (4) of the spark plug wires in my bro's '76 coupe.
We are having a problem starting the car. I believe the starter is going, but not sure. When turning the key over, the solenoid engages, but the starter does not turn. I turn the key several times, then the starter turns the engine over fine and she fires up.
I had to adjust the park/neutral switch so we didn't have to start the car in reverse or drive. Is there any correlation or is it simply a starter going bad.
I need to remove the starter to get better access to the front two wires on the passenger side. I figured this would be a good time to just replace it if bad.
Thanks,
Dino
We are having a problem starting the car. I believe the starter is going, but not sure. When turning the key over, the solenoid engages, but the starter does not turn. I turn the key several times, then the starter turns the engine over fine and she fires up.
I had to adjust the park/neutral switch so we didn't have to start the car in reverse or drive. Is there any correlation or is it simply a starter going bad.
I need to remove the starter to get better access to the front two wires on the passenger side. I figured this would be a good time to just replace it if bad.
Thanks,
Dino
If the turning of the key doesn't cause the car to crank or the starter to spin, it's probably the contacts in the bendix -- replace the starter or rebuild it (of course, this assumes you've checked all the cables and connections and they are tight and secure)
If the car cranks on each key turn, but doesn't start until the 4th attempt, you could have a fuel or ignition issue. For example, a bad battery could allow the volts to drop too low to get a good spark and while you're cranking the car, the volts are lowest.
So, when you turn the key, does the engine turn over/crank or not?
Brian.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 1
From: Shelby Township Michigan
The problem existed before we did the tune up. It sounds like the starter is going bad. I think we will remove it and have it checked out.
Thanks for the reply's.
Dino
Thanks for the reply's.
Dino
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 845
Likes: 1
From: Columbus Indiana
Originally Posted by dino89vette
I believe the starter is going, but not sure. When turning the key over, the solenoid engages, but the starter does not turn. I turn the key several times, then the starter turns the engine over fine and she fires up.
Thanks,
Dino
Thanks,
Dino
Back in my day, ('63 Chevy SS, '67 Camero...etc.)) they sold a solenoid rebuild kit you could install and save a buck. Now it's so cheap to buy a new one, it just doesn't make sense not to.
Good luck! John
