1981 engine will not rollover.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Woodville Ontario
1981 engine will not rollover.
My recently purchased 1981 corvette was taken out of storage and has had a couple of good runs this week. I went to start it today and found that all I am getting is a clicking sound from the jack stowage area behind the passenger seat. I have removed the battery checked the connections and all is fine. When I put the battery back in I have full power to everything except now no power to the fan speed controls. I am assuming that I have obvious wiring issues or possibly module problems. Looking for any help to trouble shoot and at least get it back running. Any thoughts to the clicking sound while turning the ignition key?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
check to see if you have power at the big terminal on the starter, it should have power at all times. then check if there power at the small terminal when the ignition is in crank. if there is power there, either the starter is junk, or your engine is seized. If there is no power there, you have to find out why its not getting there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
First thing I would do is check battery voltage; and then attempt to start using another battery with booster cables. If it fires right up then your battery is questionable. Charge the battery and re-attempt to start. Make certain that the alternator is working properly to charge your battery.
Do you have a multi-meter or volt-meter to check the battery voltage?
Do you have a multi-meter or volt-meter to check the battery voltage?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 165
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From: Stanley NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 40
If you batt is fine,The silence of no motor turning over lets you hear all the other things at work. My guess is cables, they corrode inside the plastic covering and decreases the current flow ,If those are the original GM batt cables . Replace them. With GOOD quality ones. Replacing my original cables with new ones solved tons of issues and was one of the best investments in my car I have done.
Last edited by LS4 PILOT; Apr 22, 2011 at 11:52 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Tap the starter with a hammer. Then try it. You can also tap it while someone is turning the key.
With the key on see if you have power to the red on the starter.
Does your ECM have a fuse beside it? Check it. Also check the ignition fuse.
Jim
Jim
With the key on see if you have power to the red on the starter.
Does your ECM have a fuse beside it? Check it. Also check the ignition fuse.
Jim
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
On my '80 I found the negative cable to be corroded at the lug that mounts to the frame, I could wiggle the cable to get a connection but it took the cable to be replaced to fix the problem. It was corroded internally. Good luck. Peace,,, moosie 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Here's a great link for you. Just give him an e-mail address and he'll give you the electrical schematics for your year of vehicle. 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...or-anyone.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...or-anyone.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
My dog does a rollover when I scratch his belly, maybe you could try the same with your oil pan.....
But really, if your engine won't turn over, the negative ground strap from the battery to the frame would be the first thing to look at as that is a fairly common problem eventually with C-3's
But really, if your engine won't turn over, the negative ground strap from the battery to the frame would be the first thing to look at as that is a fairly common problem eventually with C-3's
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Woodville Ontario
Thanks to everyone who has responded with there expertice. I waited only 30 years to buy my first vette and looking forward to years of enjoyment. Will keep you updated on my progress.
Thanks
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 820
From: SUFFIELD CT USA 2023 C8 CORVETTE UN-MODIFIED FINALIST
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
With your symptons it's going to be the battery 80% of the time. 12.4v
is not a full charge for an almost new battery and as several others have asked what does it drop to when you hit the starter?
is not a full charge for an almost new battery and as several others have asked what does it drop to when you hit the starter?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Woodville Ontario
Nice call on the battery. I gave it a complete full charge, and it failed a load test meaning as advised it was toast. Installed the new battery today and fired up immediately. Took it for a drive today and seems to be charging fine. As a new member on the forum I was very impressed.
Thanks
Dave
Thanks
Dave