1979 won't start. help!
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
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1979 won't start. help!
So I bought this 79 vette. It ran fine when I parked it in the garage and began stripping the interior. I took everything out including the dash wiring harness. Replaced all fuses, repaired some wiring on the radio but nothing on the ignition. I replaced the dash and all lights, wipers, radio etc work but the car won't start.
There is no clicking or anything. I didn't touch the engine since last started (about a month ago) so I can't imagine why the starter would not be getting power, but everything else seems to be. Does anyone have any ideas???
There is no clicking or anything. I didn't touch the engine since last started (about a month ago) so I can't imagine why the starter would not be getting power, but everything else seems to be. Does anyone have any ideas???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
best get out the voltmeter and start taking measurments.
have someone turn the key while you measure the terminal on the starter solenoid to ground.
You most probably disturbed something.
Dumb question, are you sure the battery still has a charge?
have someone turn the key while you measure the terminal on the starter solenoid to ground.
You most probably disturbed something.
Dumb question, are you sure the battery still has a charge?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
thanks for all of the advice guys! The battery is charged. (by the way, the car is a 4spd manual). I looked at the underside and noticed that the relay on the left side of the trans is disconnected (maybe tail light relay). I don't really see a spot to connect it either. Don't know if that has anything to do with it. I'm going to play with it more today. Thanks again for you help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
there is a clutch start switch
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune...l/index9.shtml
also may need to check the switch on the top lower portion of the steering column. that the key switch activates through the extension rod. it has a harmonica style connector.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune...l/index9.shtml
also may need to check the switch on the top lower portion of the steering column. that the key switch activates through the extension rod. it has a harmonica style connector.
Last edited by speedreed8; Sep 9, 2010 at 07:48 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
Likes: 72
From: Somers New York
There is also a switch on the clutch pedal arm. Check to see if you have it adjusted properly and that it is plugged in. That connector on the left side of the trans is probably the backup light switch.
Last edited by John A F; Sep 9, 2010 at 07:26 PM.
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I am listening in on this one.
C3 350 81 Auto
Brand new battery today, new alternator, started fine with new battery, volt meter up to 13, got home let her sit, later in evening started fine and took her out around the block. Noticed volt meter reading low. Turned off and then would not turn over or even engage starter. Ideas on what might be draining battery? Have her slow charging now...overnight.
Hey turtlevet: I agree there is never a "dumb" question when dealing with electrical problems, since it's many times the dadgum "dumb problem" that elludes us in fixing it. Wires go bad from heat and age, connectors come loose, batteries go dead, bad grounds, etc, etc.
Started fine today, but later I noticed the voltmeter dropped down from 13 volts to about 9. Could this be a ground problem?
C3 350 81 Auto
Brand new battery today, new alternator, started fine with new battery, volt meter up to 13, got home let her sit, later in evening started fine and took her out around the block. Noticed volt meter reading low. Turned off and then would not turn over or even engage starter. Ideas on what might be draining battery? Have her slow charging now...overnight.
Hey turtlevet: I agree there is never a "dumb" question when dealing with electrical problems, since it's many times the dadgum "dumb problem" that elludes us in fixing it. Wires go bad from heat and age, connectors come loose, batteries go dead, bad grounds, etc, etc.
Started fine today, but later I noticed the voltmeter dropped down from 13 volts to about 9. Could this be a ground problem?
Last edited by thomaskh; Sep 11, 2010 at 09:56 PM. Reason: update
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
It turns out I have a dash harness for an auto trans power windows car and I have a manual trans manual windows. I don't know how the car was running when I got it because nothing was ever plugged into the clutch safety switch. I jumpered the yellow and purple wires attached to the connector for the neutral safety switch and now it runs great. thanks for the help everyone!
