1975 - no start
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 182
Likes: 2
1975 - no start
I have a 1975 C3 and having an unusual problem. Sometime the car starts up right away with no problem, Then thee are time when I try to start it, i get absolutely nothing. No clicking, no thing at all. if i let it sit overnight it will start, but again after a couple of shut downs, it ill not start. Battery is new and i am getting power to starter solenoid. All accessorizes will work even when it wont turn over. There are times when ithe horn is not working( don't know if this has anything to do with it) What could be causing the no start?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 46
From: Hebron IN
Does it refuse to start only after the car has been driven and then start when stone cold? If so, sounds like a heat soaked starter.
If it acts up when cold, neutral switch (as mentioned above) or possibly ignition switch.
Do you still have the seatbelt interlock hooked up? Next time it doesn't start, buckle both seatbelts for the heck of it and see what happens.
If it acts up when cold, neutral switch (as mentioned above) or possibly ignition switch.
Do you still have the seatbelt interlock hooked up? Next time it doesn't start, buckle both seatbelts for the heck of it and see what happens.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,809
From: Cool Northern Michigan
Those Delco starters are pretty tough, lasting for decades. They just go along for the ride.
Right above that however, is the work horse. The poor solenoid.
It has to tell the IGN to send juice. It has to tell the starter Bendix to engage and it has to tell the starter to spin.
And it has to do all this in a 500* oven. The heat soak describing a hot starter is usually a bad solenoid.
They get so hot inside they either meld the contacts or corrode the contacts.
Depending on the age of the solenoid, its likely a candidate for replacement. They come in a couple price ranges from junk $10 to better $25-30.
The better ones have a ceramic end cap, usually brown and can take the heat much better.
Its not too bad a job, depending on your exhaust system. NEG GRD off the Batt.
Loosen both starter bolts, this allows it to swing down so you can get at the wires. Tag the wires with masking tape & a Sharpie, their orientation on the solenoid before removing!
Right above that however, is the work horse. The poor solenoid.
It has to tell the IGN to send juice. It has to tell the starter Bendix to engage and it has to tell the starter to spin.
And it has to do all this in a 500* oven. The heat soak describing a hot starter is usually a bad solenoid.
They get so hot inside they either meld the contacts or corrode the contacts.
Depending on the age of the solenoid, its likely a candidate for replacement. They come in a couple price ranges from junk $10 to better $25-30.
The better ones have a ceramic end cap, usually brown and can take the heat much better.
Its not too bad a job, depending on your exhaust system. NEG GRD off the Batt.
Loosen both starter bolts, this allows it to swing down so you can get at the wires. Tag the wires with masking tape & a Sharpie, their orientation on the solenoid before removing!
