Need help with C3 Wiring

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Jul 13, 2020 | 10:03 PM

AIejandro

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 16

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From: Houston, TX

Need help with C3 Wiring

So I just bought a C3 in beater conditions. It’s not too far from running. However, when I connected a new battery the engine started smoking and some wires got fried (as shown in picture). I found the bottom one. It connects to the starter and I can buy it on corvettemods. But that thing it connects to (labeled with a “?”) is a mystery. I don’t know what it’s called or where to buy it. Can someone help me find it?

Jul 14, 2020 | 07:28 PM

Mooser

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 11,183

Likes: 3,335

From: North of Toronto - Ontario

I wonder what year the car is...
M

Jul 14, 2020 | 07:44 PM

kanvasman

Safety Car

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 3,814

Likes: 1,723

From: Summerville SC

That connector is a pretty well known failure point. I am not saying you might not have other issues but the first thing I did was cut that connector out along with any corrosion and bad connectivity it might hold.

Jul 14, 2020 | 08:01 PM

Richard454

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 8,877

Likes: 3,556

From: Fernandina Beach FL

2023 Restomod of the Year finalist

2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanvasman

From my understanding- the connector was just used to speed up engine installation on the assembly line.

AND just sayin- before you order from Corvettemods- do a google search "covettemods problems"- I think the BBB has almost a couple hundred complaints...

Jul 15, 2020 | 08:30 AM

bmotojoe

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,378

Likes: 1,740

From: Seattle Area Washington

If you don't want to splice together and you have the wire length to install new housings and crimp connectors you can do so and save a few $.
If you order from this e-bay vendor make sure you ask to substitute the (6 Male & 6 F/M) crimp connectors with 10 - 12 gauge. Listings both say 14 -16 gauge crimp connectors but will substitute.
Black Housing F/M Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-6-Cavity-Female-Wiring-Harness-Connector-Shell-Chevy-GMC-Olds-Buick-Pontiac/372758475853?hash=item56ca22f44d:g:24oAA OSwFxhdcAS7:scSPSFirstClass!98059!US!-1
White Housing Male Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-6-Cavity-Male-Wiring-Harness-Connector-Shell-Chevy-GMC-Olds-Buick-Pontiac/283604228665?hash=item4208211a39:g:2ckAA OSwIbBdcAE-:scSPSFirstClass!98059!US!-1
WOW prices continue to go up!!! I repaired a friends 79 a few years ago with new housings and crimps for under $15.00 purchasing items through Mouser Electronics. The badly burnt wire on my friends 79 was the N/O contact of the high speed blower relay.

Jul 15, 2020 | 09:54 AM

Duke94

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 6,640

Likes: 287

From: Ann Arbor Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard454

AND just sayin- before you order from Corvettemods- do a google search "covettemods problems"- I think the BBB has almost a couple hundred complaints...

I agree, STAY AWAY FROM THESE GUYS!

Jul 15, 2020 | 12:04 PM

AIejandro

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 16

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

Thanks

Y’all are some life savers. Thanks for the eBay links, and I’ll be sure to examine the other electronics. I forgot to say but it was a 1979

Jul 15, 2020 | 12:18 PM

BKarol

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 3,225

Likes: 667

From: Northeast

I was trying to diagnose a no start situation and it ended up to be a problem with the purple wire somewhere between that connection & the ignition wire under the dash. I just ran a new wire from the ignition wire to the connector and it solved my problem.

A FWIW on how to remove the terminals from the connector , 3 minute mark shows the male end. I was not aware how to.