MYSTERY Starter Wire
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 31
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From: mia fl
MYSTERY Starter Wire
I have a 1971 454 Stingray. There is a wire that attaches to the solenoid on the same terminal that the large cable from the battery attaches to, This wire appears to have two resistors or capacitors bundled inside of it.
1.What is this wire for?
2.Why are there resistors in this wire?
This wire is a bit ragged from 30+ years of being under the car. I would like to replace it, but the wire resistors and their purpose are a mystery to me.
1.What is this wire for?
2.Why are there resistors in this wire?
This wire is a bit ragged from 30+ years of being under the car. I would like to replace it, but the wire resistors and their purpose are a mystery to me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 3
From: Cruising somewhere in St. Louis, Missouri
I also have seen the resistor, so it is factory. Maybe it is there to prevent some kinda feedback noise to something. I am looking forward to hearing what it actually is. I'll do some checking in my library of books in the meantime.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 31
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From: mia fl
Originally Posted by luerja
I also have seen the resistor, so it is factory. Maybe it is there to prevent some kinda feedback noise to something. I am looking forward to hearing what it actually is. I'll do some checking in my library of books in the meantime.
Jim
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
It may be a resistance wire for the coil. I think they used resistor wire but that might have been done instead.
Something about during cranking the starter is the resistance but while engine running there is no resistance so this was introduced.
Not all engines use it, a year thing.
My resistor wire is yuchy too and my brother installed a very high wattage resistor on the firewall. It gets hot.
I forgot the ohmage but can find out if this is your dilemma.
I should have described the resistance wire to eliminate that.
Its tan with a woven cover. Solid wire I think. You can't mistake it for any other wire since its the only one like it. Not plastic but woven insulation.
Something about during cranking the starter is the resistance but while engine running there is no resistance so this was introduced.
Not all engines use it, a year thing.
My resistor wire is yuchy too and my brother installed a very high wattage resistor on the firewall. It gets hot.
I forgot the ohmage but can find out if this is your dilemma.
I should have described the resistance wire to eliminate that.
Its tan with a woven cover. Solid wire I think. You can't mistake it for any other wire since its the only one like it. Not plastic but woven insulation.
Last edited by Techno; Jul 12, 2005 at 02:20 PM. Reason: addition
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by Techno
It may be a resistance wire for the coil. I think they used resistor wire but that might have been done instead.
Something about during cranking the starter is the resistance but while engine running there is no resistance so this was introduced.
Not all engines use it, a year thing.
My resistor wire is yuchy too and my brother installed a very high wattage resistor on the firewall. It gets hot.
I forgot the ohmage but can find out if this is your dilemma.
I should have described the resistance wire to eliminate that.
Its tan with a woven cover. Solid wire I think. You can't mistake it for any other wire since its the only one like it. Not plastic but woven insulation.
Something about during cranking the starter is the resistance but while engine running there is no resistance so this was introduced.
Not all engines use it, a year thing.
My resistor wire is yuchy too and my brother installed a very high wattage resistor on the firewall. It gets hot.
I forgot the ohmage but can find out if this is your dilemma.
I should have described the resistance wire to eliminate that.
Its tan with a woven cover. Solid wire I think. You can't mistake it for any other wire since its the only one like it. Not plastic but woven insulation.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The wire that hooks up to the big solenoid terminal along with the positive battery cable is the wire coming from the alternator "+" terminal. It's this wire that charges the battery. The "resistors" are fusible links to protect the circuit in case of a dead short.
Lars
Lars
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 31
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From: mia fl
Originally Posted by lars
The wire that hooks up to the big solenoid terminal along with the positive battery cable is the wire coming from the alternator "+" terminal. It's this wire that charges the battery. The "resistors" are fusible links to protect the circuit in case of a dead short.
Lars
Lars
Can this wire be replaced? I looks ragged. The fusable links do appear to be intact but the wire insulation is hard and toasty looking.
Thanks to all for the help on my MYSTERY Starter Wire.
-George
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