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Ignition Questions for 75 C3

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Old May 30, 2024 | 01:22 PM
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Default Ignition Questions for 75 C3

When I go to start the car after its been sitting for the week (I usually just drive it on the weekends) when I turn the key to start the car nothing happens. Then I pump the gas a few times, then turn the key it turns over. Is that normal? I would think it would do something, I could be wrong but its an electronic ignition right? Below is the distributor I have.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 11:28 AM
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Describe what " nothing happens" means... no crank? Or cranks but doesn't start? That gives us a direction...
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Old May 31, 2024 | 01:06 PM
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Can you post some more photos of your engine compartment, with the air cleaner assembly removed?

If that hose feeds your brake booster, it shouldn't have any Ts in it.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 07:21 PM
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Old May 31, 2024 | 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Bikespace
Can you post some more photos of your engine compartment, with the air cleaner assembly removed?

If that hose feeds your brake booster, it shouldn't have any Ts in it.
This is what I have. I will try to get a picture tonight with the air clearer removed. Thank you!
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Old May 31, 2024 | 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Andysherman
Describe what " nothing happens" means... no crank? Or cranks but doesn't start? That gives us a direction...
Just complete silence, no crank, no starter noise, nothing.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 07:29 PM
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Have a stock HEI distributor in my 75 and it does not does what your does. One press of the gas pedal and it cranks up. Not sure if the Accel does something different. Perhaps an online search regarding your distributor might yield some answers.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Newbomb2469
Have a stock HEI distributor in my 75 and it does not does what your does. One press of the gas pedal and it cranks up. Not sure if the Accel does something different. Perhaps an online search regarding your distributor might yield some answers.
Does it start to crank then you hit the gas and it starts? My doesn't do anything. I pump the gas and then give it go and it starts. Kind of weird. But after the first start, after I'm driving around. If I stop and go to start it up, starts up first time no issues, it seems to only do it if its been sitting a few days.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 09:30 PM
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It may be a delay due to current being applied to a relay, perhaps there's something specific that limits current on initial startiong attempt... so no, not normal. Sounds like you need to do some digging into how your ignition is currently wired, & is it wired correctly... I see some unfamiliar wires in your engine compartment, so research will be key...
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Old May 31, 2024 | 09:35 PM
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And you also have a Holley double-pumper, is there an electric fuel pump?
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Old May 31, 2024 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by SKIDMARC2
Does it start to crank then you hit the gas and it starts? My doesn't do anything. I pump the gas and then give it go and it starts. Kind of weird. But after the first start, after I'm driving around. If I stop and go to start it up, starts up first time no issues, it seems to only do it if its been sitting a few days.
Yes, cranks and starts the first time. It’s a stock L48 engine.
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Old May 31, 2024 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Andysherman
And you also have a Holley double-pumper, is there an electric fuel pump?
I'm not sure?
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Old May 31, 2024 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by SKIDMARC2
I'm not sure?
A bunch more pictures will help with these questions.

It's hard to say what a PO had done with the electronics. All that should happen when you pump the gas on a cold start (I do it twice), is that the choke gets reset, and the high-idle cam gets engaged. Dunno about a Holley, but there should be no electronics at all.

Are you sure you aren't pumping the clutch, too? Is the clutch safety switch doing something funny?
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Old Jun 1, 2024 | 08:05 AM
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Also see the usual vacuum lines missing, so this must have an electric headlight conversion, as there’s wires running where those lines would normally be… I comment on these, & as an amateur diagnostician, I’m looking for clues as which direction to pursue. I suspect the initial no-crank has nothing to do with pumping the gas, but more with a circuit delay in allowing current. Since there’s no starter relay in these older cars, wondering if looking at the solenoid might be a a quick thing to rule out… I also see an additional fusible link on the H/L motor wiring, so wondering what other “non-stock” wiring is present.
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Old Jun 1, 2024 | 08:06 AM
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Or an alarm system…
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 12:16 AM
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I had a weird on/off starting problem years ago. It would be deader than a doornail, but the gas pedal wasn't involved.

Ended up being the red ignition wire from the switch to the starter.
I traced it down to a slice caused by rubbing against the ignition shielding....everything still factory..
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 03:01 AM
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On my E77 a few years ago I had a no start issue caused by the electrical connector on the firewall, just to the passengers side of the distributor. A plastic connector that connects the solenoid start wire that heads down to the small terminal on the solenoid. May not be your issue, but really easy to check.
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