Need help - No start issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
Need help - No start issue
I am having an issue that I hope you all can help me out with. I have just recently gotten my 75 back on the road and have been getting all of the bugs shaken out of it. Twice in the past few weeks I have had an issue where, after a drive, the car will not start. Specifically, there is power to all accessories, but when the key is turned, nothing. The starter does not engage, just silence. The first time that it happened, I assumed that the battery, which was 5-6 years old, needed to be replaced, so after a jump start, I got the car home and replaced the battery. I drove the car to work the other day, got in after work, car started no problem, problem solved. Or so I thought. Yesterday, the wife and I took the car out for a drive, parked and did some shopping and stuff for an hour or so. When we returned to the car, turn the key, lights radio etc work, turn the key, nothing, same as before. When we hook up the jumper cables, fires right up, no problem. So, the question is, is this a ground issue? I have done some reading and I have found some posts with similar issues. The thing that confuses me though is, if it is grounding, why would it be intermittent? Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bryan
Thanks,
Bryan
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 172
Likes: 8
From: Boca Raton FL
Is the car hot when this happens? Does it run hot, and is this on a hot day? I have had this problem only on hot days when I run the A/C, and the engine is on the verge of "over-heat" when I stop. After a short time, the engine won't turn and seems dead like yours (battery is new). In my case, the engine is a 1973 - LS4 - 454. I read that the starter armature gets so hot that it expands and locks. When I open the hood and let the engine stand and cool for 1/2 hour or so, it will then kick right over and start? I have been told a new starter (non-OEM) is available that is more powerful for these cars and that would solve the problem, but want to stay with factory solution if possible. Do you think this is the cause of your issue?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
Is the car hot when this happens? Does it run hot, and is this on a hot day? I have had this problem only on hot days when I run the A/C, and the engine is on the verge of "over-heat" when I stop. After a short time, the engine won't turn and seems dead like yours (battery is new). In my case, the engine is a 1973 - LS4 - 454. I read that the starter armature gets so hot that it expands and locks. When I open the hood and let the engine stand and cool for 1/2 hour or so, it will then kick right over and start? I have been told a new starter (non-OEM) is available that is more powerful for these cars and that would solve the problem, but want to stay with factory solution if possible. Do you think this is the cause of your issue?
Hi Boca and thanks for your response. Each time that this has happened, the car has sat for at least 1 hour. When it happened yesterday, before jumping I tried to start it and nothing. Then, soon as the cables are hooked up, fires right up. It was warm yesterday, but not overly hot. I don't think heat is the issue.
Bryan
Pro
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 729
Likes: 118
From: Kelowna British Columbia
Sounds like you had left it for an hour so probably cooled down. I would check the connections as there could be one loose. Are both battery cables tight and no corrosion. I would take the negative cable off the frame (comes out bottom of battery box) and clean the eye with emery cloth and clean the bolt and area around where it goes in frame. Use a wire wheel or brush and make sure it is good metal for the connection. Other place to check is at starter and make sur all connections are tight especially the large positive cable
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
Sounds like you had left it for an hour so probably cooled down. I would check the connections as there could be one loose. Are both battery cables tight and no corrosion. I would take the negative cable off the frame (comes out bottom of battery box) and clean the eye with emery cloth and clean the bolt and area around where it goes in frame. Use a wire wheel or brush and make sure it is good metal for the connection. Other place to check is at starter and make sur all connections are tight especially the large positive cable
thanks,
Bryan
