next...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
next...
OK, I had the starter out on the floor and tested it the way TimAT said to do it and the starter worked fine. Now, how do I test the starter in the car for 12 volts when key is turned to run position?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
If your key is in the run position, you shouldn't get 12v to the starter. If you did, your starter would be spinning while engine is running. Not too healthy for the bendix or the flywheel!
Duane
Duane
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
You will have 12 volts at the starter in the run position BUT only at the large cable (connected directly to the battery) only get 12 volts at the solenoid (small wires) in the start position
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
From the 2 threads, I'm gathering that you have a no start, no crank. You tested the starter, and it's working. The next place you need to go is make sure that the small wire that connects to the inboard small teminal on the starter gets 12v when the key is truned to start. A 12v testlight and a second set of hands (to turn the key) are needed. If no12v at that wire, go back and look at the neutral safety switch (or clutch safety if it's manual trans).
Somewhere around '74, GM added a 6 cavity connector that breaks out of the main harness just to the right of, and behind the distributor on the firewall. The starter feed runs thru that. Not uncommon for that connector to die from a combination of heat and dirt. (Dirt leads to corrosion on the connectors, corrosion leads to high resistance, high resistance leads to heat- big circle). Take a look at that connector if you have it.
Just looked at the other thread-- your 81 WILL have that 6 way connector.
Somewhere around '74, GM added a 6 cavity connector that breaks out of the main harness just to the right of, and behind the distributor on the firewall. The starter feed runs thru that. Not uncommon for that connector to die from a combination of heat and dirt. (Dirt leads to corrosion on the connectors, corrosion leads to high resistance, high resistance leads to heat- big circle). Take a look at that connector if you have it.
Just looked at the other thread-- your 81 WILL have that 6 way connector.
Last edited by TimAT; Jul 17, 2011 at 09:23 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Here's the conector Tim's talking about. It's the white one. Make sure all six of the wires are connecting well on both sides of the conector, they have a tendancy to work loose sometimes. If it's loose, everything inside the car will work, but the starter won't do anything...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
Guys,
I finally found the problem, it was the neutral/safety switch. She only starts in neutral, not in park. I went out early this morning to get ready for my first show in 5 years. Got everything cleaned and ready. SDaid good bye to wife and went out to the shed. Cranked over and started but I did not give her enough gas and it stalled, turned the key again and NOTHING! I will check it out tomorrow and see if I can adjust the switch. Thanks for all your help.
I finally found the problem, it was the neutral/safety switch. She only starts in neutral, not in park. I went out early this morning to get ready for my first show in 5 years. Got everything cleaned and ready. SDaid good bye to wife and went out to the shed. Cranked over and started but I did not give her enough gas and it stalled, turned the key again and NOTHING! I will check it out tomorrow and see if I can adjust the switch. Thanks for all your help.
