Starting Issue
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Keller TX
Starting Issue
I have an issue with my 73. Starts fine when cold. If I run it for a while and stop at a destination, it does not start. I have a battery cut-off switch and have discovered that if I disconnect it and reconnect it, that it will start eventually. What do I need to replace/fix? Is it my battery cables?
So far I have: replaced the battery, alternator, coil, distributor, plugs, wires, and upgraded to a 383. It runs like a scalded ape, but the starting issue is frustrating.
So far I have: replaced the battery, alternator, coil, distributor, plugs, wires, and upgraded to a 383. It runs like a scalded ape, but the starting issue is frustrating.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Wont start as in wont crank? Or wont start as in cranks but will not start?
For the wont crank at all issue, usually a starter solenoid issue. They get heat soaked and dont like to make contact. Some guys will use a remote solenoid much like an old Ford. Others such as myself are using a hi torque mini starter. The smaller starter offers more clearance from the exhaust.
For a cranks but wont start issue. It could be a few things, but many times it is a fuel boiling in the carb bowl and causing hellish starting. I went fuel injection, tired of that bothersome issue.
When I was a kid, we used to take the old style gm starter solenoids apart and flip the copper contactor over, looks like a washer. They would be all burnt and pitted and it would be good for another 6 months or so. Ive got better things to do with my time nowadays.
For the wont crank at all issue, usually a starter solenoid issue. They get heat soaked and dont like to make contact. Some guys will use a remote solenoid much like an old Ford. Others such as myself are using a hi torque mini starter. The smaller starter offers more clearance from the exhaust.
For a cranks but wont start issue. It could be a few things, but many times it is a fuel boiling in the carb bowl and causing hellish starting. I went fuel injection, tired of that bothersome issue.
When I was a kid, we used to take the old style gm starter solenoids apart and flip the copper contactor over, looks like a washer. They would be all burnt and pitted and it would be good for another 6 months or so. Ive got better things to do with my time nowadays.
Last edited by Sunstroked; Nov 28, 2016 at 09:36 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 46
From: Lebanon OH
Blue,
Two things come to mind. First, when you replaced the distributor, did it come with all new internal components? I ask because sometimes the dielelectric grease between the spark module and distributor dries out, causing the spark module to overheat and become damaged. If you had to reuse your components on the new distributor, you may have moved a bad spark module onto a new distributor. If you installed a new module, make sure you completely covered the contact surface with the grease for maximum heat transfer.
If the distributor came with this component installed, then I would look at the starter to make sure you have a heat shield over it. Sometimes starters get heat soaked and don't want to turn over until they cool down. Hope this helps and good luck.
MajD
Two things come to mind. First, when you replaced the distributor, did it come with all new internal components? I ask because sometimes the dielelectric grease between the spark module and distributor dries out, causing the spark module to overheat and become damaged. If you had to reuse your components on the new distributor, you may have moved a bad spark module onto a new distributor. If you installed a new module, make sure you completely covered the contact surface with the grease for maximum heat transfer.
If the distributor came with this component installed, then I would look at the starter to make sure you have a heat shield over it. Sometimes starters get heat soaked and don't want to turn over until they cool down. Hope this helps and good luck.
MajD
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Keller TX
It does nothing. Will not turn over. Then if I disconnect the battery and reconnect it, it does turn over. I have a new Chevrolet Hi-Torque mini starter. The distributor is brand new. I am thinking maybe it is in the wiring somewhere. Thanks for the replies.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Keller TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 119
From: Springfield Missouri
is it a manual??? clutch safety switch? are you getting 12 volts to starter when you turn the key?? have a meter to check for voltage? without a meter, you can not fix things easily. they cheap to buy and easy to learn to use.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 205
From: Lewes Delaware
Check the condition of your ground cables, specifically where the end connector is attached to the cable.
Locate where the battery negative cable connects to the frame (about centerline of car): remove bolt from frame, clean till shiny (bolt, inside hole, area around hole, & connector), apply electric conductive grease and reinstall. This was my problem area on my 73 and fixed my "heat soak" starter problem.
Keep us informed of your progress, + or -
Fran
Locate where the battery negative cable connects to the frame (about centerline of car): remove bolt from frame, clean till shiny (bolt, inside hole, area around hole, & connector), apply electric conductive grease and reinstall. This was my problem area on my 73 and fixed my "heat soak" starter problem.
Keep us informed of your progress, + or -
Fran
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