81 c3 starting issue

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Dec 14, 2016 | 12:50 AM

Lukereonhill

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4th Gear

Joined: Dec 2016

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81 c3 starting issue

hi
i have a 81 corvette. the starter motor engages as soon as the key is in the on position, if put in to d or r it stops
any ideas would be a great help
thank

Dec 14, 2016 | 08:05 AM

lvmyvt76

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,753

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From: Springfield Missouri

so, the motor starts ok, but dies when you put it in drive or reverse or any gear? correct? what is the idel RPM? new car to you?? a little history of car might help.

Dec 14, 2016 | 01:43 PM

Lukereonhill

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4th Gear

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Sorry should have explained better. The starter motor turns constantly. Unless put into drive or neutral.i have replace the ign switch which made no difference

Dec 14, 2016 | 02:59 PM

Skybolt

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 169

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From: Stony Brook New York

Sounds like the ignition switch is bad.

Dec 14, 2016 | 03:08 PM

Lukereonhill

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Dec 2016

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I put a new one in. Made no difference

Dec 14, 2016 | 03:10 PM

Skybolt

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 169

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From: Stony Brook New York

Brand new in a box? Because the wipers go bad on the switch and that is one of the symptoms. Are you sure of the wiring being correct, including the solenoid?

Dec 14, 2016 | 03:39 PM

Lukereonhill

Thread Starter

4th Gear

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Yup brand new in box. Everything else is working fine. Just started doing it one day.

Dec 14, 2016 | 07:45 PM

Skybolt

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 169

Likes: 18

From: Stony Brook New York

I would trace the wires from the solenoid to the firewall and see is any are melted together or frayed and exposed. Good luck.

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Dec 15, 2016 | 12:19 AM

Tim81

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Eastern North Carolina

I would suspect a possible shorted starter solenoid if the wiring checks out good.

Dec 15, 2016 | 07:39 AM

#10

Skybolt

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 169

Likes: 18

From: Stony Brook New York

The solenoid could be stuck in the engaged position as Tim suggests. If you can while the car is in the air and you are inspecting the wiring, start the engine and tap the solenoid and see if it dis-engages. Make sure the car is on ramps or pined stands, sorry I'm over cautious.